Congressman Jay Inslee Discusses HR 2462 at FCC Media Consolidation Hearings in Seattle

Local Seattle Area Congressman Jay Inslee was a speaker at last night's FCC Hearings in Seattle.  Congressman Inslee is a very strong advocate for media independence and diversity, and is a co-sponsor of HR 2462, "Protect Diversity in Media Act" originally introduced by Congressman (now Senator) Bernie Sanders of Vermont. 

HR 2462 essentially rolls back FCC rules essentially set behind closed doors and without public input or review by former FCC Chair Michael Powell.  At the Seattle hearings, FCC Commisioners Copp and Adelstein both spoke of their opposition to the not only the content of Powell's news rules, but also of their opposition to the secretive and un-inclusive way in which they were created.

In June 2003, when Michael Powell set the new FCC rules, Inslee was quick to speak out:

“Today’s FCC ruling will be a detriment to our democracy. A democratic society flourishes under diverse media sources and full exchange of information, yet shrivels under restricted information. The new media ownership rules approved by the FCC today will allow large corporations to restrict the information for our citizenry to be fully informed. The number of media channels has grown over the years, but in fact the loosening of media-ownership rules has historically resulted in media mergers, with more stations owned by fewer companies. Further media consolidation poses a danger to our system of free press and American democracy. Despite opposition from many in Congress and widespread public disapproval, ninety-nine percent of public comments opposed the new rules, Chairman Powell has pursued these rule changes with abandon. While the new ownership rules will lead to consolidation that could obviously benefit corporate interests, the FCC has shirked its primary responsibility by choosing to ignore the interests of the American public. We cannot allow the private appetite for corporate efficiency to overwhelm the public appetite for the truth. Americans must have access to a diverse media and many voices.”

HR 2462 not only rolls back the 45% ownership limit to 35%, but also addresses the issue of cross-ownership of media.  Congressman Inslee is also a strong advocate of increasing broadband access for all, and is a key supporter of maintaining net neutrality, an issue that many citizens testified about during the hearings. 

Overall, it was once again reassuring to see Congressman Inslee looking out for issues that affect the public, and his attendance at this public hearing further indicated his commitment in this area. 

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