PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

BREAKING NEWS: SENATE VOTES TO BLOCK NEW FCC MEDIA OWNERSHIP RULES
by Chris Holm Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2003 at 2:45 PM
chris@indypgh.org

One down, two to go.

Today 09/16, the US Senate passed S.J. Res. 17 by a vote of 55-40.

This overturns the Federal Communications Commission's June 2, 2003
rulling that eased nationwide media ownership restrictions.

The veto now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to be kept from coming to a
vote.

Only overwhelming bi-partisan pressure from House members can force the leadership to bring it to the floor.

President Bush has threatened to veto this, or any other, legislation that rolls back the FCC media ownership plan.

http://www.salon.com/tech/wire/2003/09/16/senate_media/index.html

This gives you that oppose more media
deregulation an opportunity to petition lawmakers.

Of related interest...

Tonight, tune into a PBS special called "Flashpoints USA" where, as part of a show on media ownership, FMC's Executive Director Jenny Toomey
debates Lewis Dickey of Cumulus Media. Cumulus was the radio group that banned the
Dixie Chicks from their country stations following comments made by Natalie Maines during a performance in London. The discussion focuses on issues of censorship and free speech in the media environment.

The show debuts September 16 at 9 PM on many PBS stations. Check this
website for show times and stations in your area:

http://www.pbs.org/flashpointsusa/

Go to the icon on the bottom right of the page for PBS Program Club and plug in your ZIP code to find the time it's playing near you.

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PA
by david Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2003 at 12:44 PM

Pennsylvania's Republican Sens. Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter both supported the new FCC rules.

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RL Bill
by radio Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2003 at 5:33 PM

This bill is also known as the "Make Rush Limbaugh Shut-Up Law." Seems with the left, if you can't beat 'em, make them go away.

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