Anti-consolidation forces organize for Nashville forum
Although we'd suspect that anyone from the casual observer all the way up to alert media watchdogs such as RBR/TVBR could not help but notice that media ownership forums tend to attract only those members of the public vociferously opposed to media ownership consolidation, a wide-ranging coalition of groups is working to make sure they're well-represented in the audience at the Nashville forum on today. Free Press's Josh Silver made the call, saying, "This hearing is a long overdue opportunity for the public to weigh in on the crucial decisions that shape our media. Before letting Sinclair, Gannett or Clear Channel gather up more local media outlets, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and the other commissioners need to hear how these Big Media firms are serving - or failing to serve - local communities in Tennessee and throughout the South." Consumer Union's Gene Kimmelman also weighed in, saying "If you already think local newspapers and TV news provide biased coverage, just imagine how much worse things will get if the government lets your local newspaper and biggest TV stations combine operations and dominate local news."
RBR observation:
This coalition would be a mortal lock to own the audience if they didn't bother to lift a finger. There is no group called the 4Fs (Fear Factor Fanatic Foundation). There is no organization calling for an end to playlist variety so that only their favorite hits are played (although Arbitron regularly seems to find millions who apparently believe just that). We believe that there are arguments to be made for and against media consolidation within the broadcast community. The one thing we will never hear at one of these forums is a strong endorsement of the programming that people, of their own volition, tune into every day.
Anti-consolidation coalition
American Federation of Musicians
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)
The Belcourt Theater
Center for Rural Strategies
Christian Community Broadcasters
Communications Workers of America
Consumers Union
EarthMatters Tennessee
Free Press
Mid-South Peace and Justice Center
Nashville Peace and Justice Center
Newspaper Guild-CWA
Prometheus Radio Project
Rainbow/PUSH
Tennessee Alliance for Progress
Tennessee Healthcare Campaign
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
Tennessee Independent Media Center
The Belcourt Theater
WRFN Radio Free Nashville
