Congressmen Present Legislation on Media Diversity

Statement

Congresswoman Val Demings (D-FL) presented a bipartisan and bicameral resolution calling for greater diversity in the US media. Leading this initiative are resident commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

Congresswoman Demings said: "I am happy to join Representative González-Colón, Senators Rosen and Rubio to present this legislation. It is invaluable for our children and our democracy to have a cross-section of perspectives that reflect diverse cultures and voices, in the news and entertainment. The United States is at its best when every American can read, listen and watch vibrant media that reflect the diversity of our great country. "

González Colón said that "our nation is made up of people who represent a range of thoughts, inheritances and training that we do not often see represented in the media; some groups become invisible to others. The media should be a reflection of the society to which they communicate which is not homogeneous. Knowing other experiences, hearing other opinions, seeing other stories enriches us as a nation and gives way to inclusion. As a woman and Latina I am proud to be part of this bipartite initiative to work on removing barriers that prevent media diversity. "

"Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working with local media throughout the state of Florida," said Senator Rubio. "These media are rooted in our communities, offering a unique and important vision. We must continue to support small and diverse media that are fundamental in the preservation of local culture, and serve as an invaluable resource for our communities."

"In order for Americans to be informed and committed, it is important to have access to strong and diverse media," said Senator Rosen. "We must make an effort to ensure that our newsrooms and communications companies reflect the United States, both in terms of ideas and media figures. This is critical now, more than ever. This resolution generates these feelings very real, allowing us to break through barriers and realize that diversity is our strength. I am proud to join my colleagues to take steps towards building a more diverse media landscape. "

Background

The resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to increasing the diversity of the media. It also commits Congress to work with media entities and various stakeholders to develop common solutions to eliminate barriers to media diversity. The resolution reaffirms that with the increase in experience and sophistication of the media, it is even more important to have minority participation in local media to strengthen social cohesion between different communities and build understanding on issues. important community that impact the daily lives of residents.

The resolution expresses that "an informed and committed electorate is fundamental to a vibrant democracy and is deeply rooted in our freedom of expression laws and underpins the virtues upon which we established our Constitution" and that "have the means of communication that provide exposure to a wide range of views and the ability to contribute to the political debate is essential to sustain that informed commitment. "

50 years after the Kerner report concluded that "the painful process of readjustment required by the US media must begin now," the industry continues to struggle with efforts to diversify.

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