The federal agency that oversees television, radio and other media is considering sweeping changes in the rules for ownership of TV and radio stations. These changes would allow big corporations to dominate the news sources in a given city or town. Please take one minute right now to send a fax on this issue to U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). As chair of the committee responsible for overseeing TV and radio, he can act to stop media monopolies. Ask him to act today. Please add something in your own words about why this issue is important to you.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to tell the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not to weaken the rules that help preserve competition and diversity among the owners of America's newspapers and radio and TV stations.

As you know, the FCC is reviewing rules currently for media ownership and is likely to allow big corporations to dominate ownership of media in a particular city or town. If that happens, one company may be allowed to own the local newspaper, several TV and radio stations and the cable TV system in the same community. There would be fewer owners of networks, stations and newspapers nationwide.

Media ownership would be concentrated among fewer companies and the public's ability to have open, informed discussion with a wide variety of viewpoints would be compromised. Plus, it likely would result in higher costs for businesses that advertise in local media, and those costs likely would be passed onto consumers.

The FCC is expected to vote on whether to change the rules on June 2. The public comments submitted to the FCC by individuals have been opposed to media consolidation overwhelmingly. Americans understand that the public interest is not being served by deregulation that reduces competition.

Please tell the FCC to reinstate its traditional media ownership rules for the sake of competition and democracy.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 20, 2003