Senate Commerce Committee says no to more media consolidation

Common Cause commends the Senate Commerce Committee for voting unanimously today to pass a resolution disapproving a Federal Communications Commission rule that could clear the way for more media consolidation.

“Both Republicans and Democrats came together today to send a message to the FCC that greater media consolidation is the wrong direction for this country,” said Common Cause President Bob Edgar. “Our media functions as the source of information the public uses to determine how to vote, how to participate in government and when to hold elected officials accountable. With limited sources of information because of consolidation, the public will not get the information it needs, when it needs it.”

The resolution would essentially veto the FCC’s new rules that allow for greater media consolidation in many of America’s media markets. Sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), the resolution of disapproval (Senate Joint Resolution 28) was introduced in March.

Common Cause now urges its passage in both the full House and Senate.