Rod e-mails to note an action alert sent out to those who sign up for them at Democracy Now!:
1. FCC considering rules to let cable companies get even bigger -- It's up to us!
Comcast and Time Warner are trying to further consolidate their regional monopolies. If this deal goes through, Big Cable Company #1 (Comcast) and Big Cable Company #2 (Time-Warner) will gobble up Big Cable Company#3 (Adelphia), and the two remaining cable giants will control over 50%of US cable subscribers. At the same time, the FCC is considering rules that could potentially allow just 3 cable companies to control over 90% of broadband and cable access across the United States.
If you're fed up with constant cable rate hikes, poor service and a lackof local and independent programming, the FCC needs to hear from you --right now.
TAKE ACTION:
http://www.freepress.net/fcc/comment.php?d=92-264
2. Grassroots Radio
a) Countdown: Expand and Support Low Power FM Radio: Comments due to the FCC by August 8th! Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations are popping up all across the United States. Thanks to the activism and support of Democracy Now! listeners, along with organizers for social/economic/environmental justice,schools, churches, and media reform, over 600 groups across the country have their own not-for-profit community radio stations. LPFM stations broadcast local news, public affairs, and music -- as well as national and international programming like Democracy Now!.
On July 7th, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asking a number of important questions about the future of the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service. This is the most important opportunity for you to comment on the direction of LPFM since the service was implemented 5 years ago. If you act today, you can help expand LPFM to reach your community!
TAKE ACTION: http://www.prometheusradio.org/comments_fcc.shtml
b) Coming up - Grassroots Radio Conference and Barnraising
The Prometheus Radio Project will team up with Valley Free Radio, FreePress, and the Grassroots Radio Coalition to build a brand new community radio station in Western Massachusetts! This barnraising is like no other in that it also will host the 10th Anniversary Grassroots Radio Conference -- the best place to gather together to learn about community radio, and strategize for its brilliant future. No one turned away for lack of funds, but you have to register to attend!
WHEN: August 4th-7th
WHERE: Florence, MA (Right outside of Northampton!)
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER:
http://www.prometheusradio.org
OR call (215)727-9620
The e-mail address for this site is common_ills@yahoo.com.
