What else is new in the wide world of wonk? The FCC Media Ownership Rules Review, that’s what. Every four years, the FCC examines its media ownership rules to determine whether the current media marketplace is serving the public interest and furthering the Commission’s goals of localism, competition and diversity. FMC takes this opportunity to promote policies that will better serve the needs of musicians and fans in communities across the country. Being music people, we dial in on radio.
On July 12, FMC submitted comments in this FCC proceeding. True to form, we focused on an issue that directly impacts musicians and fans: the consolidation of radio station ownership. We used our studies of the radio industry to illustrate the harms of consolidation and urged the FCC to pursue policies that would result in a more local, diverse and competitive radio market.
FMC’s FCC Media Ownership NOI comments
Of course, a certain massive media conglomerate (cough, Clear Channel) also weighed in, claiming that homogenous programming and an uncompetitive radio market are actually serving the public interest. We whipped up a rebuttal to set the record straight. On July 26, we submitted reply comments to Clear Channel’s filing in the proceedings, debunking their claims that radio station ownership consolidation has resulted in greater diversity in programming.
FMC’s FCC Media Ownership NOI reply comments
Read more about these proceedings on the FMC blog here and here.
Meanwhile, on July 15, we filed comments in the FCC’s Broadband Internet inquiry. In addition to reconsidering its media ownership rules, the FCC is also considering a new regulatory approach to broadband. We spoke up in defense of net neutrality, demonstrating how musicians and creators of all kinds benefit from the open internet.
FMC’s FCC Broadband Internet comments
FMC will continue to participate in both of these open dockets to ensure that musicians’ voices are heard in the policymaking process.