Media reformers to Martin: DTV is about quality, not quantity

MEDIA REFORMERS TO MARTIN: DTV IS ABOUT QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY
[SOURCE: Lasar's Letter on the FCC, AUTHOR: Matthew Lasar]
Five prominent media reform organizations have taken Federal Communications Commission Chair Kevin Martin to task for suggesting that digital (DTV) television's draw will be the wide variety of new channels available to consumers. "We write today to say that we believe that the quality of DTV programming, not quantity of DTV programming could be the key to a successful digital television transition," the groups told the FCC on Friday October 19th. They include the Benton Foundation, Common Cause, Communication Service for the Deaf, Free Press, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. media reform groups have long argued that the ability of digital broadcasters to split their signal into multiple channels should come with public interest strings attached, mandated by the FCC. "Multicasting on local cable systems could be the great DTV benefit for US consumers," the five groups write, "if broadcasters will better serve the basic needs of their local audiences—not only for children, where the FCC has unanimously supported new rules for DTV, but for everyone with increased local news, electoral and public affairs; more diverse programming for minorities and women; strengthened disability access; and necessary information in times of emergency." "We urge the Commission to issue clear, concrete guidelines on this subject, and to provide notice to regulated entities and the public regarding how broadcasters will continue to fulfill their public interests obligations in the digital age," the filing concludes.
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