End Hate and Misinformation in Media!

 

For years certain groups have been dehumanized and misrepresented on mainstream media.  Now YOU can do something about it!
 
In January of 2009, the National Hispanic Media Coalition filed a petition for inquiry at the Federal Communications Commission, asking the agency to examine the link between hate speech and hate crimes, and to allow citizens across the country to voice their concerns.  Over the past year the FCC has utterly failed to answer those requests!
 
In the mean time, countless people have been the victims of violent, and sometimes deadly, hate crimes.  Hate crimes against the Latino community have risen over 40% in just the past few years.  We know that hate speech not only inspires violence, but that it also has a profound effect on the psychological well-being of our children. 
 
Here’s what you can do:
 
1.       You can file comments at the FCC, explaining how the media is failing to serve your community.  Although the FCC has not addressed NHMC’s petition for inquiry, it recently initiated a proceeding about “The Future of Media and Information Needs of Communities in a Digital Age.”  This may be our only chance to voice our grievances with the FCC!  In this proceeding, the FCC asks some very broad questions about how the media is serving the news and informational needs of our communities.  Comments can be short and simple.  The FCC MUST hear multiple voices on this issue to stir it out of inaction.  Comments can be filed at fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display and the filing number is 10-25.  Comments are due May 7th, so please act quickly.
 
2.       You can spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested in getting involved.

For more details about the FCC's proceeding you can read the attached three-page memo.