[Seattle-editorial] FEATURE PROPOSAL: FCC Hearing

[jonathan lawson]

subtitle: THE FUTURE OF MEDIA: ACTION FOR MEDIA DEMOCRACY
title: FCC Ownership Hearing in Seattle March 7, Chuck D Headlines RTM 
Companion Event
FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein will hold a public 
<a href="http://seattle.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=23045">media 
concentration hearing</a> at the University of Washington on March 7, to 
hear testimony on the FCC's current "review" of the <a 
href="http://www.aivf.org/advocacy/fcc.html">media ownership rules</a>. 
While deregulation is favored by the country's biggest media owners and 
current FCC Chairman Michael Powell, Many thousands have already asked the 
FCC to retain or strengthen the rules which protect localism, content 
diversity, competition and public access to communications resources. At 
the local hearing, <a 
href="http://www.reclaimthemedia.org/stories.php?story=03/02/28/1985223">three 
scheduled panels</a> of testimony will be followed by audience comments. 
Outside the hearing, <a href="http://www.reclaimthemedia.org">Reclaim the 
Media</a> will have information tables, guest speakers and afternoon 
workshops, as well as an open mic for those unable to deliver their 
comments to the FCC in person. The hearing is expected to draw concerned 
citizens from around the region, and many activists focused on media issues 
are cautiously optimistic that <a 
href="http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20030224&s=mcchesney">the tide 
may be turning</a> in their favor.

<p>Later at the EMP, hundreds more will gather to hear speakers and 
performers concerned with the present threat to media diversity, and to 
take next steps to stop the Enron-ization of our media. The event, "The 
Future of Media: Action for Media Democracy," features a keynote address 
from FCC Commissioner <b>Jonathan Adelstein</b>, plus remarks by Hard Knock 
Radio host <b><a href="http://www.daveyd.com">Davey D</a></b>, <b>Jenny 
Toomey</b> of the <a href="http://www.futureofmusic.org">Future of Music 
Coalition</a>, and <b>Rep. Jim McDermott</b>. Rap superstar <b>Chuck D</b> 
will headline the event with his new project the <a 
href="http://www.fineartsmilitia.com">Fine Arts Militia</a>.

<p><center><b>Complete Schedule of events: </b></center><br>
<b><i>March 6</i></b><br>
• <a 
href="http://www.reclaimthemedia.org/stories.php?story=03/02/28/0093761">Gene 
Kimmleman (Consumers Union) speaks on Media Consolidation: Danger to 
Democracy. UW Law School, 3:30pm<br>
<b><i>March 7</i></b><br>
• <b>FCC Hearing on Media Consolidation</b>, Hub Auditorium, UW 9am-noon<br>
• Shaping the Media Landscape of Seattle: speakers, info tables, street 
theater and open mic testmonials. HUB Lawn 9am-1pm. Community panel 
discussions 1:30 and 2:45pm, HUB 106B<br>
•  <a href="http://www.reclaimthemedia.org"><b>The Future of Media: Action 
for Media Democracy</b></a> with Chuck D, Jonathan Adelstein (FCC), and 
others. EMP 7-10:30pm

<p><a href="http://www.reclaimthemedia.org">Reclaim the Media</a> | <a 
href="http://www.kbcs.org">KBCS</a> |
<a href="http://richmond.indymedia.org">Richmond IMC</a> coverage of 
previous hearing | <a href="http://mediatank.org/fcc_webform2.html">Contact 
the FCC</a> | <a 
href="http://www.democraticmedia.org/getinvolved/ownershipAction_Congress.html">Contact 
Congress</a>