Our Democracy Needs Robust, Quality, Diverse Media

As the nation grapples with the violent insurrection fueled by President Trump’s lies and divisive rhetoric, as well as a surging pandemic and economic upheaval, the local broadcast media’s job of providing communities with reliable news and information has never been more important. Communities deserve a diverse array of voices and perspectives in the media on critical issues such as economic and racial justice and investigative reporting that holds power accountable. Who owns and presents the media matters. It makes a world of difference when it comes to who appears on local television and who does not, what news is covered, and what issues are presented for our civic dialogue. Ownership by women and people of color means that they can control the narratives of their own stories. Industry advocates will tell you they must consolidate in order to provide the news and information that we all need. But consolidation has never increased the number of journalists on the street. On the contrary, consolidation is extinguishing the kind of journalism this nation needs in order to sustain our democracy. Our democracy will certainly continue to languish without a media landscape that fosters a diversity in the voices and perspectives that can only come from more diverse media ownership. These voices are essential to a flourishing self-government and achieving a media ecosystem that serves us all.

[Michael Copps is a former FCC commissioner and chairman. He serves as special advisor on Media & Democracy Reform at Common Cause. Gloria Tristani is a former FCC commissioner and state-wide elected New Mexico State Corporation commissioner.]