Media Ownership Rules Should Foster Competition
Troublingly, our primary sources of media, from which we get our information and news, are increasingly controlled by only a handful of powerful companies. Consider the fact that most of what we see on television is controlled by only six corporations, and that one single company controls over 1,000 radio stations across the country. This is a serious problem for our democracy where a diverse range of viewpoints in the news we receive is a fundamental necessity.

Until now, long-standing media ownership rules have limited how much any one media company may own. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is about to start the process of rewriting these rules. Not surprisingly, big media companies and conglomerates are urging the FCC to reduce current ownership limits.

Big media giants are watching out for their profit, not the public interest. It is important that these ownership rules preserve competition, support localism and guarantee that diverse opinions and viewpoints are aired in the media. Florida PIRG is fighting to keep these rules in place to make sure citizens have access to a free, independent media that serves the public interest.