[BC] AFTRA Tells FCC That Consolidation Doing ''Irreparable Harm''

[First Step Productions - Dave Golterman]

I noticed the following on the net this morning.  What I'd like to know 
is where were AFTRA leaders when consolidation was just getting 
started.  It seems like they might be a few years late in speaking up.

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"Consolidation of media ownership is doing irreparable harm to local and 
national news coverage, and thus to the key fabric of democracy in our 
country," said John Connolly, President of the American Federal Of 
Television & Radio Artists at an FCC Town Hall Meeting in Los Angeles 
conducted by FCC Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps 
yesterday.

"By allowing the reduction of outlets for diverse opinions via the 
concentration of power in fewer and fewer corporate hands, the Federal 
Communications Commission condemns Americans to a country where the 
public interest suffers, democracy suffers, and working people suffer," 
said Connolly. "AFTRA members oppose the continued de-regulation of the 
media and entertainment industries--and the resulting continued 
concentration of ownership in fewer hands. We urge the commission to 
protect and enhance the fundamental right and public interest of the 
American people as true owners of the airwaves." 

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Dave Golterman
First Step Productions
Plentywood, MT