Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 20:02:15 -0400 From: "The American Civil Liberties Union" To: "The American Civil Liberties Union" Subject: public comment on media ownership rules Thank you for using The American Civil Liberties Union Mail System Message sent to the following recipients: Chairman Powell Commissioner Abernathy Commissioner Copps Commissioner Martin Commissioner Adelstein Message text follows: Matthew Belmonte [address] May 27, 2003 [recipient address was inserted here] [recipient name was inserted here], It is my understanding that the Federal Communications Commission is considering possible changes to its media ownership rules. I urge you to fully disclose your ideas on this extremely important issue and allow hearings and public comment. Concentrating the control of broadcast outlets in the hands of a few large media firms would exacerbate what has already become a woeful lack of diversity in American news, information, and political commentary. When the media markets its news, and gives only the perspective that the majority of listeners want to hear, the free exchange of ideas suffers. This free thought is essential to a vigorous democracy. Ironically, some Americans in search of a more balanced view now turn to foreign media sources such as the BBC, a company that is state-owned but not bound by marketing to the tyranny of majority opinion. Again, I urge you to disclose fully your ideas on this extremely important issue of media ownership and to allow hearings and public comment. Sincerely, Matthew Belmonte