Localism in broadcasting - be Che for a day

[elektro80]

Disorder at the lair of Clear Channel

http://www.futureofmusic.org/action/ the Future of Music Coalition has
built a web-based tool to help musicians and citizens file comments at the
FCC on localism in broadcasting. Go here to participate!
http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/localism.cfm

Background
-----------------------------------
On July 1, 2004, the FCC issued a "Notice of Inquiry" (NOI) on localism in
broadcasting. This NOI is part of the FCC's broader Localism Task Force -
an initiative that grew out of the contentious media ownership proceedings
of 2003 during which millions of citizens filed comments at the FCC on the
state of their local media. http://www.fcc.gov/localism/

Since issuing the NOI, the FCC has been collecting comments from
stakeholders and members of the public on localism in radio and television.
Considering how important access to radio is for musicians, we think it's
essential that musicians, performers and citizens weigh on this topic by
submitting a written comment to the FCC before November 1.


Why Comments Matter
--------------------------------------
Past experience and conversations with folks at the FCC have taught us
three things:

1. that comments CAN make a difference in the proceeding -- just look at
what happened with the media ownership debate;

2. that the FCC wants to receive comments that are "empirically-based",
productive, and that address the questions posed in the NOI;

3. that form letters and postcards are not given the same consideration as
a unique comment from someone.

FMC wants musicians' voices to be heard on this matter. So, with
assistance from AFTRA, we have built a web tool that will help folks submit
unique comments that will assist the FCC in creating regulatory policies
that match musicians' and citizens' expectations.


How the Web Form Works
--------------------------------------
The web form breaks down the FCC's NOI into twelve subcategories and
provides a bullet list of the topics and questions that are on the table.
Next to each bullet list we give folks text boxes in which to type
comments. When the user gets to the end of the guide, they hit submit and
will see their typed replies combined into one comment. After they have
reviewed it, there's a simple form to fill out that will file it
electronically it as a public comment at the FCC.

Go here to start! http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/localism3.cfm

You can always send an email to suggestions@futureofmusic.org with your
comments.