Getting Media Right: A Call to Action

Speaking at the Columbia University School of Journalism, Federal Communications Commission member Michael Copps said that , given what technology and innovation have wrought, this should be America's golden age of communications, news and information. "But the ecosystem is only as strong as its weakest link-and too many links are at the breaking point now. We should be riding on the cusp of an information and civic commons where anyone and everyone can engage, where bountiful news and information flow like water, where guaranteed openness trumps the threat of walled gardens, and where small "d" democracy is practiced on a town square paved with broadband bricks."

He proposed that the FCC conduct a Public Value Test of every broadcast station at relicensing time-which should occur every four years in lieu of the slam-dunk, no-questions-asked eight year renewals we dispense 100% of the time now. If a station passes the Public Value Test, it of course keeps the license it has earned to use the people's airwaves. If not, it goes on probation for a year, renewable for an additional year if it demonstrates measurable progress. If the station fails again, give the license to someone who will use it to serve the public interest. The FCC's Public Value Test would include the following: 1) Meaningful Commitments to News and Public Affairs Programming, 2) Enhanced Disclosure, 3) Political Advertising Disclosure, 4) Reflecting Diversity, 5) Community Discovery, 6) Local and Independent Programming. 7) Public Safety.

For new media he called on steps to create an environment where the genius of this opportunity-creating technology can truly flourish: 1) Guarantee Internet Freedom Now, 2) Encourage Broadband Competition, and 3) Push for Digital Literacy.