PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Philadelphia City Council Passes Resolution Against FCC Expansion
by madhatter Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2003 at 11:18 AM

Philadelphia City Council Passes Resolution Against FCC Expansion

Philadelphia City Council Passes Resolution Against FCC Expansion

from http://www.mediatank.org

Council urges FCC and Congress to preserve public interest protections for Media Diversity, Localism, Independence

Philadelphia—Veteran City Councilman David Cohen this morning introduced a resolution calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Congress to stop current efforts to relax or eliminate restrictions on media ownership. Last fall the FCC began the largest review of media ownership rules in the agency's history in a move to ease or cut long-standing regulations put in place to ensure a diversity of voices in the marketplace of ideas by limiting the size and scope of big media outlets. Proposed changes would make it easier for companies to reach larger audiences across the country and would permit cross-ownership between different mediums such as print, television and radio.

Councilman Cohen spoke about the need to protect diversity of ownership in the media, linking it to his previous resolution on Knight Ridder's policy to accept ads from predatory lending agencies, and the need to protect free speech and other civil liberties in a nod to the dozens of people who came out to oppose the Patriot Act. He was met with cheers several times throughout his remarks.

In a surprising turn of events, Councilman Brian O'Neill stated that he had initially planned to support the resolution but after listening to Councilman Cohen, he thought it ventured into areas beyond the councilÕs jurisdiction. “We donÕt have the right to tell the U.S. Congress what to do.”

Councilwoman Marion Tasco and Councilman Angel Ortiz both took exception to that point. Councilwoman Tasco said she thought it was their responsibility to let the Congressional delegation know how their local constituents feel about an issue. Councilman Ortiz echoed that sentiment and went on to emphasize the central issues addressed in the resolution, “The media have great power in directing public opinion, allowing them to control the TV, newspapers and radio poses a real threat to democracy.”

He concluded by saying, “Power concentrated into very few hands is extremely dangerous.”

Councilman James Kenney asked for clarification on purpose of the resolution. Councilman Frank Rizzo, Jr. admitted that he did not know much about the topic and asked for more time to become familiar with the issues.

Frustrated by a debate that veered into areas such as the anti-war protests, the powers of council, and the democratic process itself, Councilman Cohen stated, “It's a very simple resolution. If you're for monopoly youÕll vote against it; if youÕre for free speech, youÕll support it.”

There to support the resolution, which was modeled after similar resolutions passed in Seattle, was Inja Coates, co-founder and director of Media Tank, a local group working to educate the public about media policy issues. “After seeing a study that indicates 72% of the public know nothing about what's going on at the FCC, it was great to see the issue brought before city council. At least the people in council chambers this morning got a mini introduction to the issues facing our media system today.”

The resolution finally passed with thirteen votes in favor, and Council members O'Neill, Rizzo, and Joan Krajewski voting against.

View the resolution
http://www.mediatank.org/resolution.html

For more info:
Inja Coates
inja@mediatank.org
215-563-1100

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