Community Dialogue on Media Ownership -- Los Angeles

Localism and Diversity to be Discussed at the Community Dialogue on Media Ownership in Los Angeles

Federal Communications Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps will visit Los Angeles, CA, on August 31 to listen to local citizens’ concerns about localism and diversity. This Community Dialogue on Media Ownership is a rare opportunity for the public to discuss their issues on media consolidation.

WHAT: Community Dialogue on Media Ownership

WHEN: Thursday, August 31, 2006, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: University of Southern California - Davidson Conference Center

WHO: FCC Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps, Congresswomen Hilda Solis and Diane Watson, local leaders and media representatives, concerned Angelenos citizens.

The Community Dialogue on Media Ownership is taking place as the FCC prepares to review federal rules on media ownership. The FCC recently issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on whether the media rules are “necessary in the public interest as the result of competition.” It is important that Angelenos participate at this event and be heard.

“Recently in Los Angeles and in other major cities around the country we witnessed the power of the media to bring the community together during the immigration marches. If the current media ownership restrictions are dropped we will loose the little localism and diversity in the media that still exists today” said retired Congressman Esteban Torres, National Latino Media Council (NLMC) Chair, a national coalition comprised of the largest Latino civil rights organizations in the nation. “The change in media rules impact every household in this country and it is NLMC’s goal to make sure that on August 31st there is a diverse participation in the audience and that every Angeleno that wants to be heard on this issue gets the opportunity to voice their concerns, added Alex Nogales, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition.”

The forum, which is free and open to the public, will feature panel discussions on diversity in entertainment and cross-ownership rules. The forum will also include an open microphone session for the public to offer testimony on media issues to Commissioners Adelstein and Copps. All testimony will be recorded and submitted to the FCC and California elected officials.