New American Media Contract

FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps unveiled a New American Media Contract over the weekend at the National Conference for Media Reform, proposing the following tennets:

1. A right to media that strengthens our democracy
2. A right to local stations that are actually local
3. A right to media that looks and sounds like America
4. A right to news that isn’t canned and radio playlists that aren’t for sale
5. A right to programming that isn’t so damned bad so damned often

He further proposed that, because we've actually already paid half a trillion dollars for our currently existing services, that these should be delivered immediately and for free, via televion and radio.

Direct from the NCMR press release, here are his follow-up comments:

"Here’s how [to ensure these are put into place]: First, let’s make sure the FCC backs off any further loosening of the few media ownership protections we still have. This is not the time for more duopolies, triopolies and sweetheart newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership deals that strangle localism, diversity and competition.

"Second, let’s make FCC license approval and renewal into more than a paper tiger. That means enforcing the American Media Contract every time a media company comes in to renew a license or get a new one. No more postcard license renewals - but instead a requirement for license-holders to prove they are fulfilling the Contract.

"Third, give minorities a seat at the media table. Wait a minute-seat at the table? Why can’t they own the table? Thirty per cent of our population cannot be consigned to owning three per cent of our broadcast outlets - not unless we want another century of equal opportunity sham and shame.

"Fourth, expand the number of media outlets in each community. That means more support for Low Power, PEG programmers and community wireless - movements that defend the last bastions of localism as Big Media marches toward one-size-fits-all national programming and distribution.

"Fifth, protect new forms of media from the awful consolidation that ensnared traditional media. The Internet can be truly transformative -- or it can become another network monopoly. Does everyone here tonight support Network Neutrality?

"It’s up to you and me, brothers and sisters. Things aren’t going to change without you. They can change with you. You beat Michael Powell’s Rules for Media Catastrophe three years ago. Who thought that would happen? Who says citizen action can’t succeed in America? I see so much enthusiasm here in Memphis this week. I’ve seen it all across the country, in blue states and red, among liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans."