Bringing diversity to the nation's media

BRINGING DIVERSITY TO THE NATION'S MEDIA
[SOURCE: Seattle Times, AUTHOR: Editorial staff]
[Commentary] America is a diverse society saddled with a bland, monolithic press. This woeful imbalance between who Americans are and who owns the press must be part of any discussion about media ownership. Sadly, the agency charged with addressing such issues has shirked its duty. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission recently suggested new rules for media ownership. The proposal would allow for cross-ownership of a newspaper and a broadcast station in the same media market. The problems with the proposed changes are many. The most glaring omission, though, is what to do about the lack of minority and female owners of news outlets. The FCC's plan would only further alienate women and minorities from a vital sector of American democracy. Any discussion of ownership has to include diversity.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2004031970_localed26.html