In the public's eye, reporters will do anything for a story. "Fear And Favor In The Newsroom" takes viewers behind the scenes to shatter this myth. Narrated by Studs Terkel, the film shows how ownership of the press by a small corporate elite constricts the free flow of ideas and information upon which our democracy depends. For more information, video clips and to purchase this film, click here.

GET INVOLVED

The dangers of media consolidation discussed in this film are more relevant than ever. In late June, the FCC voted 3-2 to lift the existing limits on national media ownership by large media conglomerates. The new rules would eliminate a 20-year old ban on cross-ownership, allowing one company to own newspapers, television and radio stations in the same market. In addition, a single broadcaster would be allowed to acquire multiple television stations whose signal reached up to 45% of the potential national audience. The current limit is 35%.

The proposed changes have run into resistance on Capitol Hill. On July 16, the House Appropriations Committee voted to effectively maintain the 35% limit and even many Republicans are questioning the wisdom of the FCC�s stance. The unanticipated resistance in Congress is an increasingly rare example of grass roots efforts making an impact over the well-financed lobbyists of major corporate interests.

While some progress has been made in slowing down the media consolidation juggernaut, the issue is a long way from being settled. Large media organization are lobbying heavily for easing the restrictions and the Appropriations bill must still be passed by the full House of Representatives and signed by President Bush.

If you feel that the proposed FCC rules are a threat to the diversity of information available to U.S. media consumers, make your feelings known to decision makers in Washington. Below are links for more information and to organizations actively involved in the effort:

Background and Current Status of Media Ownership

Media Consolidation Issue Brief

Free Press is a national organization working to increase informed public participation in crucial media policy debates.

Common Cause is helping to coordinate citizen action to register concern over ownership of media issues.

Media Access Project is a non-profit, public interest law firm which promotes the public's First Amendment right to hear and be heard on the electronic media of today and tomorrow.

Want to Know Who Controls Your Local Media? Use the Center for Public Integrity Media Ownership Database to research who owns what in radio, TV, cable, and telephone across the U.S.