The media moguls and the FCC
May 16, 2003
Commissioner Michael Powell Dear Commissioner Powell:
On June 2, the Federal Communications Commission plans to authorize sweeping changes to the American news media. The
changes could allow one company in asingle town -- and across many cities -- to own TV stations, newspapers, radio stations
and cable providers. I believe this concentration of ownership could be deeply destructive to the freedom the media and
lead to a collapse of multiple news and information voices in our democracy.
It is deeply unsettling to learn that you have decided to reject a request from two of the five FCC commissioners to delay a
decision on overhauling these proposed serious changes. I urge you to push back the vote by at least
one month to allow more time to study the potential effects of easing these media ownership restrictions.
I write to you as both a newspaper journalist and as a citizen who is deeply concerned about concentration of the media
through monopoly in this country. Certainly, as an American in government you must understand the need for a diversity of
owners in the free press as well as be aware of the risks of consolidation. I urge you to reconsider your decision.
Sincerely,
Ronald Hilton - 5/16/03
Many WAISers have complained about the power of media moguls. Peter Orne writes: If you're as disturbed as I am about
the easing of federal rules prohibiting a single company from owning all media -- TV, radio, newspaper, cable -- in single
town, please fax Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Powell (202-418-0232) in Washington. The five FCC
commissioners -- Powell, two Democrats, and two Republicans -- will vote June 2nd on easing the rules,and Powell has
rejected fellow commissioners' requests to delay the vote....
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Peter Orne
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