|
Statement of Celia Viggo Wexler, Vice President for Advocacy, Common Cause
Common Cause
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct 4, 2004 -- The Federal Communications Commission opens its doors to industry bigwigs, but it is less welcoming to those of us who represent the public interest. This morning's meeting illustrates that point. Chairman Michael Powell is convening a major meeting on the content of television in the digital age, and who dominates the panels? Broadcasters and industry trade groups. Not one consumer or public interest advocate was invited.
This is not surprising. This is the same Chairman who shrugged off the comments of nearly three million Americans opposing media consolidation, and who is reluctant to directly confront the public to discuss their concerns about the media.
One of the goals of this meeting is to devise a strategy to educate the public about the benefits of digital television. But it is broadcasters, not consumers, who first have to be educated.
Chairman Powell's FCC should educate broadcasters about their obligations to serve the public in specific, quantifiable ways. Without such guidance, digital technology will only allow commercial television to become an even vaster, more profitable wasteland. Many broadcasters will use their digital channels to continue to deliver lowest-common-denominator programming, but will fail to provide the coverage of local issues and state and local elections vital to citizen participation in their democracy.
Common Cause may not have a seat at the Chairman's table, but we will work to ensure that the voices of our 300,000 members and supporters will be heard at the FCC and in Congress. The airwaves belong to the public, and democracy demands a diverse, vibrant, broadcast media that provides viewers with the information they need to govern themselves.
|
