jfb | (no subject)

The Future of Music Coalition--well worth a look if you're not already familiar--has a public letter to FCC chairman Michael Powell. The FCC is reviewing the broadcast ownership rules that limit the consolidation of broadcast media into a tiny number of immense corporations.

As musicians, recording artists, citizens and small business owners we are uniquely qualified to comment on the increased consolidation of the radio dial since the passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. We write to you today to emphasize that this period of consolidation has had far-reaching negative repercussions on our ability to gain access to the public airwaves and to make a living.

We are therefore rightfully cautious and extremely concerned as American citizens that increased concentration of media ownership will have a negative impact on access to diverse viewpoints and will impede the functioning of our democracy.

You can go read the rest. They're looking for co-signers, so if you care about this, join the fun.