Tell the Senate: Stop Big Media

From our friends at CREDO Action:

This is the moment of truth for the U.S. media. In December 2007, the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to gut the longstanding "newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership" ban that prohibits a local newspaper from owning TV and radio stations in the same market. This decision will mean less local news, less diverse perspectives and less competition in our country's media system.

The new rules will let big media conglomerates get even bigger, gobbling up local news outlets in your town. This is bad for journalism, bad for media diversity, and bad for our democracy.

However, on March 6, members of the Senate stepped up to overturn the FCC's dangerous rule changes. A "resolution of disapproval" introduced by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) would nullify the FCC decision and protect local news around the country. That's the good news. The bad news is that according to Senate rules, we only have 60 legislative days to get this bill passed. We need your help to build the momentum and overturn the FCC's rule changes.

As we move into a very important election year, will a handful of companies continue to control what we see, hear and read every day? Or will a more responsive media that serves the public interest win out? It's up to you.

So please make your voice heard. Sign the petition here to Majority Leader Harry Reid and your senators in support of Senator Dorgan's resolution of disapproval of the new media ownership rules.

(For more information on this issue, please visit the web sites of Free Press or StopBigMedia.com.)