This was the first of six such hearings to be held around the country. The hearing was presented by the Latino Media Council in partnership with Media Alliance and Free Press. The focus of the hearing was diversity in the media and media ownership. After opening remarks by the two commissioners the public was able to address the commissioners. All speakers were united in their opposition to any further consolidation of media ownership.

One speaker referred to the state of corporate media as “Walmartization”. Others warned that the current trend will lead to the loss of a free press if not stopped. Many speakers cited corporate media’s run up to the invasion and occupation of Iraq as an example of how the media has become a propaganda tool of the government. At least one speaker urged the commission to relax FCC rules on low power radio to allow the growth of independent community based media outlets. Another speaker praised the independent media movement and credited it with the change in public opinion on the Iraq war. Uploaded are photos and mp3 audio files from the event.

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