On July 26, 2018, the National Hispanic Media Coalition led advocates and Congressional staffers in a conversation about the role that Congress should play in the future of media regulation. The panel included Dana Floberg (Free Press), Yosef Getachew (Common Cause), and Andy Schwartzman (Georgetown University Law Center’s Institute for Public Representation).
Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-29), who has been a champion on media regulation issues, opened the discussion with a call to action for members of Congress. He explained Congress’ oversight responsibilities when the Federal Commissions Commission (FCC) reviews consolidation proposals and the importance of hearing from constituents. Advocates followed-up with a discussion about the impact that media consolidation has on localism and diversity. Panelists also answered questions about how the FCC evaluates whether a consolidation proposal is in the public’s interest.
