KPFK Interview

• click here to download mp3
• click here to stream mp3

Under the chairmanship of Michael Powell (son of General Colin Powell) the FCC is racing towards massive deregulation of media ownership restrictions.  There are five voting commissioners on the FCC.  Two -- Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein -- have been holding informal hearings across the country.

Chairman Powell has seen to it that the details of the proposed ownership restriction changes will not be made available for public review prior to the vote.  Thus far, Chairman Powell has refused to delay the vote in spite of the fact that more than 200,000 Americans have sent post cards, email and letters demanding the commission take more time for a formal period of public review and comment -- a process that would be in keeping with FCC tradition.  At least 150 members of Congress have also asked for a vote delay.  Opposition to a rushed vote cuts across partisan lines, including media activists from the left to the National Rifle Association.

There are many ways you can make your voice heard.  Consumers Union, MoveOn and other groups have organized petitions.  You can also contact the FCC directly.  Click here for commissioner email addresses, phone numbers and more.  While it's easy to be cynical and conclude that Chairman Powell will continue to ignore public outcry for a vote delay, perhaps a rush of complains in the week leading up to the June 2nd vote might have an impact.  It takes less than two minutes to write a short letter.  Take the time.

West Los Angeles Junior College:  Tuesday, May 27th Meeting

At 7pm, Daniel Sheehan and others will be holding a meeting on FCC deregulation at West Los Angeles College.  For more information, call (310) 358-6800, extension #1.  Be sure to call that number before attending.  Daniel Sheehan only mentioned the event at the end of the radio interview and it wasn't clear exactly where the event will be held.  Call for specifics.

Additional Resources and Information on Media Consolidation

• FCC hearing in Atlanta last week:  Audio, organized by speaker
• Additional current info from Atlanta IMC
• Reclaim The Media
• Daniel Sheehan bio
• Michael Copps bio
• Picture credit:  Michael Powell, the pirate, from Reclaim The Media