“A popular Government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” James Madison
No matter what your politics are, you have to admit that our founding fathers were pretty clear about their view that a diverse, independent media (or a free press, as it was called then) was a clear requirement for a vibrant democracy. Just because we get our news today from more devices (papers, TV, radio, internet, phone, etc.) doesn’t mean the sources of the most widely distributed content are more diverse.
Yet the FCC just voted to loosen media ownership rules. They did this despite a huge public outcry. Supposedly, when the FCC asked for public comments, 99% opposed media consolidation, and everything I’ve read (most of which I’ve had to hunt to find) has said that the process has been rushed and less than transparent.
The last thing our democracy needs is fewer independent media voices. Congress has the power to reverse this rule change, and I just signed this petition asking Congress to do that. Please consider joining me in petitioning Congress at the link below. You may not agree with everything moveon.org does (I certainly don’t), but I think they are right on on this issue.
It’s my belief that we ignore this issue at our own peril.
http://civ.moveon.org/mediaconsolidation/?r_by=-8775556-my2brC&rc=mailto
Hey, if you disagree, tell me. I’m open to discussion on this. In fact, I’m counting on it.
The High Country 