Group items tagged

Two dozen minority interest groups sign letter to FCC Chariman advocating for changes in FCC policy to promote media diversity. Details declines in minority radio ownership and includes several policy suggestions.

"A coalition of public interest organizations - including the Center for Media Justice, Center for Rural Strategies, Free Press, Media Access Project, Media Alliance and many more - have sent a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski asking that the Commission make increased diversity in the media and broadband communications landscape a top priority."

"The academics said that there were plenty of studies out there indicating the importance of station ownership diversity when it comes to serving a diverse population. One noted that ownership for most business types does break down into percentages more in line with actual population makeup, with broadcasting being a notable exception to the rule."

A blog post covering a grassroots organizing effort to address the digital divide. Makjia Cyril argues that the cable companies are offering a false choice by tying broadband build out to net neutrality. An interesting perspective from outside the traditional media.

While some media companies are narrowing their exposure to newspapers, Honolulu Star-Bulletin majority owner David Black is demonstrating his continued bullishness on print media with a bid to buy Canwest LP's chain of daily newspapers. If Black's bid to buy Canwest's newspapers is successful, it would make him the largest newspaper magnate in Canada. Most of Black's newspapers are small weeklies in western Canada. In addition to the Star-Bulletin, Black's U.S. newspapers include the Ohio-based Akron Beacon Journal.

The goal of this project: to help ensure that all Americans have access to vibrant, diverse sources of news and information that will enable them to enrich their families, communities and democracy. 

"They have the chutzpah to say that the new venture will boost quantity, quality, diversity and "local focus." I would think that "surely they jest" but, indeed, they are serious. They have filed with both the Justice Department, as well as the FCC. The $30 billion deal will also be examined on Capitol Hill in hearings beginning next week."

Discussion of Comcast and NBC Merger, including opening promises from Comcast to preserve local over-the-air broadcasting and increase programming for children and minorities.