Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Let FCC know fewer owners of media dangerous to liberty

Local voices or mass muzzlings? There is an interesting news story going on in Washington, D.C., that I've heard very little about in any of the news media even though it will affect everyone.

I am referring to an upcoming meeting of the Federal Communications Commission, where it will be decided if huge media moguls will be allowed to become even bigger.

Most of us didn't even realize that a free press is very dependant on autonomy and a democracy is dependant on a free press. If a large concentration of newspapers, TV stations, radio stations and Internet providers are allowed to be controlled by just a few corporations, then all we'll ever hear or see will be based on the dictates of those corporations. What an undesirable circumstance that will be for all of us!

There is a bright spot, though. This behind the scenes vote of the FCC over who'll control what America sees and hears won't happen until June 2. The FCC is still allowing public input until May 30, 2003, so now is the time to act.

Contact the FCC at: http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html on the Internet or call them at 1-888-225-5322 (1-888-CALL FCC) for more information or write them at Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20554 and make your voice be heard.

Scott Zorc

Buford, Ga.