Issue Position: Media Ownership & Telecommunications

Issue Position

Nearly 60 years ago, the Supreme Court declared that "the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the welfare of the public, that a free press is essential to the condition of a free society."

Unfortunately, a few massive multinational media conglomerates control more and more of the sources of our information -- including television networks, cable channels, publishing, radio, and the Internet. At the same time, one-third of America's independently-owned television stations have vanished since 1975, as have more than two-thirds of independently-owned newspapers. The story for diversity of views and ownership on the radio is no better.

"The consequences of media consolidation go to the heart of the democratic process," Sanders has said. "In my view, it will be very dangerous for our country and communities around America when one company is able to own a local newspaper, television station and radio station. Opposing points of view won't be heard and our democracy will suffer."

Media consolidation suppresses diversity and ignores the needs and interests of local communities. Senator Sanders has been a leader in the fight to stop media consolidation and return public interest obligations to broadcasters. We need programming that is responsive to local needs and responsible to the people. In the Senate, Sanders continues to work hard to make sure that we hold all media companies responsible for providing content that serves the public and offers a diverse range of opinions. He opposed previous FCC and large media conglomerates' attempts to gut the ban that prohibits a local newspaper from owning TV and radio stations in the same market. Weakening existing rules will further consolidate local media markets - taking away independent voices in cities already woefully short on local news and substantive journalism.

In addition, while the Internet offers a great opportunity for a diversity of voices, a small handful of large companies control much of the Internet's infrastructure and are trying to eliminate the principal of "net neutrality," stifling the easy sharing of information. This would be bad for the Internet and the economic engine it has become, bad for the exchange of a diverse set of views, and bad for democracy.

Sanders supports greater access in Vermont and around the country to broadband and other high-speed internet technologies. "Throughout America, there are thousands of communities which still lack cell phone service and the adequate broadband services necessary for today's business and education. In 21st century America, we cannot allow towns across Vermont to be left behind technologically," Sanders has said.

Sanders has also long fought against the unfair prices of our nation's large cable TV operators who raise rates on consumers year after year and often reduce channels available under basic cable packages while charging the same or higher prices. In rural areas of Vermont and elsewhere, cable television is often an essential information service for consumer and thus an affordable basic package is necessary for residents to remain informed and connected to their communities. In 2008 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that cable prices had risen 77 percent since 1996, roughly double the rate of inflation. Sanders has said, "When people pay the same amount of money to receive less service, that is a rate hike, plain and simple." Consumers are forced to pay more for dozens of channels, many of which they don't want, and while watching their rates go up every year. Senator Sanders remains a strong advocate for appropriate regulations so that there is more competition in cable television prices and so consumers are allowed to pay for only the channels that they want -- so-call "a la carte" programming.

Sanders also wants Vermont and other rural states to have reliable and universal cell phone and wireless Internet service. "It is simply not acceptable that tens of thousands of Vermonters have no cell phone service or inadequate service. Without a strong wireless presence, it will be virtually impossible for those towns to attract businesses and create jobs. Further, the lack of cell phone service and Internet connections can have a very negative impact upon education and public safety."

It is essential for our democracy that we have a vibrant and diverse media readily accessible through open and varied mediums. The consumers of information must be at the forefront of our concerns regarding communications. Senator Sanders continues to fight for the realization of these principles.

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