NHMC Laments Court's Gutting of FCC Network Neutrality Rules

(For more information on NHMC's advocacy for an open internet, visit: www.nhmc.org/openinternet)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2014
CONTACT
Brian Pacheco, NHMC
bpacheco@www.nhmc.org
(213) 718-0732

NHMC Calls on FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to Assert Authority, Preserve Equality on the Internet 

Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) was disappointed to learn that the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a large portion of the FCC's "network neutrality" rules. The FCC's network neutrality rules provided a solid first step towards equality on the Internet. They guaranteed a few basic consumer protections that have made the Internet the democratizing force that it is today: that Internet service providers - many of whom enjoy virtual monopolies with customers who have only one or two viable Internet options - allow their customers access to the entire Internet; and that Internet service providers cannot block or slow down access to any lawful website. The rules were not perfect, for instance, they arbitrarily failed to protect wireless customers to the same extent as hard line customers, but they were important touchstones to ensure fairness on the Internet. verdictaction"Latinos and other people of color have long faced discrimination at the hands of mainstream media. Over the open Internet, we have been able to push back against this discrimination, tell our own stories fairly and accurately, organize, and even earn a living. Today's D.C. Circuit Court decision puts this Internet freedom in jeopardy," stated NHMC's Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Jessica J. González. "The court decision to vacate rules that prevent discrimination and blocking access to online content is disconcerting, however, language in the opinion signals that the FCC is well-footed to tackle net neutrality from a different angle. The court clearly states that the FCC's justification for net neutrality rules 'is reasonable and supported by substantial evidence.' Moreover, it provides a roadmap for the FCC to assert its authority over Internet service providers and ensure Internet equality moving forward. Based on Chairman Wheeler's encouraging statement issued earlier today, NHMC expects that the FCC will move expeditiously to that end," stated NHMC's Policy Director, Michael Scurato. The D.C. Circuit Court opinion is available here. Background materials on network neutrality are available here.
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About NHMC The National Hispanic Media Coalition is a non-partisan, non-profit, media advocacy and civil rights organization established in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. Its mission is to educate and influence media corporations on the importance of including U.S. Latinos at all levels of employment. It augments the pool of Latino talent with its professional development programs. It challenges media that carelessly exploit negative Latino stereotypes. It scrutinizes and opines on media and telecommunications policy issues. Learn more at www.nhmc.org. Receive real-time updates on Facebook and Twitter @NHMC.
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National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a woman-led 501(c)(3) non-profit civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward the Latino communities.
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