Reform Groups Urge the FCC to Hold TV Broadcasters Accountable for Inadequate Election and Government Coverage

By Midwest Democracy Network.

The Midwest Democracy Network (MDN), an alliance of civic and political reform groups from five Midwestern states, recently sent a letter to Federal Communications Commissioners to urge the FCC to impose stronger public interest obligations on local television broadcasters.

Recent studies by the University of Wisconsin’s NewsLab show that the viewing public is being shortchanged on coverage of state and local elections and critical government issues. The studies also show that coverage of government and elections gets much less air time than crime, sports, and weather, and that during election season political ads outweigh election coverage by nearly three or four to one.

The FCC is currently considering new rules to govern the national transition from analog to digital broadcasting. The conversion will allow single-license holders to air programming over several separate channels–significantly impacting overall programming and the broadcast business generally. The Midwest Democracy Network, which proposed specific reforms, is asking that the FCC conduct hearings in the Midwest to provide the public an opportunity to comment on proposals for defining and enforcing “meaningful public interest requirements” in the digital age.

Download the MDN Statement to the Federal Communications Commission here.

Download the Press Release here.

Download the Midwest News Index Report here.

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About the Midwest Democracy Network:

The Midwest Democracy Network is an alliance of Midwest state-based civic and public interest organizations, academic institutions, and policy and legal experts. Members share a commitment to fundamental democratic values and principles, especially those that speak to honesty, fairness, transparency, accountability, citizen participation, competition, respect for constitutional rights and the rule of law, and the public’s need for reliable information. They believe that such principles must be continuously reinforced and jealously protected against those who see politics as a means to promote narrow interests rather than the common good. Toward these ends, participating organizations seek to reduce the influence of money in politics; keep our courts fair and impartial; promote open and transparent government; create fair processes for drawing congressional and legislative districts; guarantee the integrity of our election systems; promote ethical government and lobbying practices; and democratize the media.