http://www.commonblog.com/story/2008/8/22/123647/812
Where do the two major party candidates stand on the media reform issues we highlight in our new report, "Media and Democracy in America Today: A Reform Plan for a New Administration"?
It's a mixed bag.
McCain has a strong record of supporting Low Power FM Radio, increasing diversity of media ownership, funding public broadcasting and free air time for campaigns. However, he has opposed stopping media consolidation and is against net neutrality.
Obama on the other hand has been a vocal supporter of net neutrality and has actively opposed media consolidation. While generally good on most of the issues we highlight in the new report, he has less of a record to show for it.
And there are gaps in our knowledge. That's why we would like to hear from their campaigns and anyone else who can tell us where they stand on issues like reforming the processes at the Federal Communications Commission and if they support PEG Access TV.
We have a full chart of their stands on the issues we raise in our new report - as far as we know them. Check it out, and let us know if you have any more information.
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I am happy to read above that Obama has been a "... vocal supporter of net neutrality and has actively opposed media consolidation." However, my prime media issue is PEG Access TV. From this web site, link to Common Causes' "full chart of their (Obama's and McCain's) stands on the issues." Follow that chart to "Public Access (PEG)". Under Obama, you'll see no finding concerning Obama's stated position or legislative record on Public Access (PEG).
How does a voter find out Barack Obama's views on Public Access (PEG)?!
Wallace Stuart
Since I wrote on this topic and posed questions in July, I've received no comments or answers. In June, I wrote abourt the same issue and got the same non-reaction. Doesn't any one acquainted with this candidate have any idea of his views on the subject of advancement of telecommunications and big media?
Again, I'm interested in what Barack thinks about the role of FCC regulation vis-a-vis state and partucularly local regulation of cable TV, broadband systems, voice (cable and mobile), and diversity in ownership of big media. What qualifications would Barack consider important in persons he would nominate for membership on the FCC? Do any of Barack's staff have pass employment or represent owners of the telecom and big media industries or lead unions which represent workers in these industries?
Does Barack believe that municipal leaders accross America are currently making a positive contribution to the regulation of local cable TV systems and the advancement of high-speed broadband delivery of video? Many owners of telecom and big media corporations are convinced that the FCC commissioners can better access local needs for and regulate advanced video services than can states and municipalities. Does Senator Obama believe that ownership preferences for big Washington regulation should prevail in this land?
