FCC Public Hearing in Cols March 7: "Future of Media"

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March 7, 2007
Future of Media Town Meeting-FCC Public Hearing in Columbus

5:30pm. There will be a fact-finding public hearing by members of the FCC. Commissioners Adelstein, Copps & McDowell will be in attendance. The topic of discussion is Media Consolidation. Within this topic of conversation is the ability for people to bring up related topics of interest, including the role of video franchising as it provides for public access and localism in our media system, and how their communities are affected by increasing media consolidation in the hands of fewer and fewer entities. (Of prime importance are the effects of recent rule making decisions by the FCC which, if allowed to stand, will make the operations of hundreds of access channels around the nation impossible, and result in their closure, much like what happened to a number of centers in Texas last year).

The hearing will feature opening remarks from FCC Commissioners Michael Copps, Johnathan Adelstein, and Robert McDowell and a lengthy period for public testimony. All public testimony will be recorded and officially submitted to the FCC for consideration. Come prepared to speak your mind. This public hearing is one of the public’s few chances to speak out against Big Media before FCC Chairman Kevin Martin moves to lift the last significant limits to runaway media consolidation.

Sponsors: Free Press, Consumer's Union, Common Cause, United Church of Christ Office of Communications, Metropolitan Church Council, Ohio PIRG, and Ohio Citizen Action Any and all citizens interested in the state of our media system are encouraged to attend.

Location:Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
Phone:[phone]