FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is giving an early Christmas present,  not only to those of us who live in Flagstaff, but to all American citizens on Tuesday, December 18.  That present, wrapped in corporate glitter, is a further destruction of democracy and the right to a free press.  According to statements made by Chairman Martin before both Senate and House Committees, he intends to allow newspapers to own TV and radio stations in their market area in spite of overwhelming comments from the general public as well as both houses of Congress opposing the move.  When asked by Senator John Kerry to delay the vote until more information could be obtained, the arrogant Martin refused.  He even indicated in his comments that he had made up his mind on the decision before  holding public hearings.  His presentation reminded me of the arrogant irresponsible current occupant of the White House.

Ownership of all the media in a local market area has been limited by a federal law called a “Cross Ownership Ban.”  It is this ban that Martin is on a roll to repeal.  That “Ban” was put in place by Congress in order to protect the access of Americans to information. 

He feels that newspapers are not financially viable without also owning TV and radio stations in their market areas.  BUT the average return on equity (investment) of most large newspapers is 17%.  That is more than the return on equity of most Fortune 500 companies and certainly more than most of us make on our investments.

The former FCC Chairman, Michael Powell, also tried to delete the ban and failed.  He has since been hired by a media conglomerate.  Perhaps this is the goal of Chairman Martin as well.  I really don’t care how much money Martin manages to make from using his position as a stepping stone but I do care how he uses it to steal my freedom of the press and the freedom of every other American. 

The only Democratic member of the Committee will vote against Martin.  Whether it passes depends on the other two Republican members who will most likely vote with Martin in favor of corporate giants.  Only Congress can repeal their decision.  So if you care about having access to unbiased information about what is going on in the world, write your Congressman and let him or her know.  Do it now–before it is too late.