Originally published November 26, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified December 11, 2007 at 12:43 PM
The Democracy Papers
Bringing diversity to the nation's media
America is a diverse society saddled with a bland, monolithic press. This woeful imbalance between who Americans are and who owns the press must be part of any discussion about media ownership.
The Democracy Papers is a series of articles, essays and editorial opinion examining threats to our freedoms of speech. Technology has created space for more voices, yet fewer and fewer are heard.
The American press and media are being decimated by consolidation. This transformation from many owners into five or six large corporations and the lessening of small outlets for radio, newspapers, magazines and music are chilling a once robust marketplace of ideas. What should Americans do? This series explores the arguments and the backlash.
Democracy Papers online archive:
www.seattletimes/thedemocracypapers
Daily Democracy, the Democracy Papers blog: blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/dailydemocracy.
America is a diverse society saddled with a bland, monolithic press. This woeful imbalance between who Americans are and who owns the press must be part of any discussion about media ownership.
Sadly, the agency charged with addressing such issues has shirked its duty. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission recently suggested new rules for media ownership. The proposal would allow for cross-ownership of a newspaper and a broadcast station in the same media market. The problems with the proposed changes are many, and have been aired on this page in detail.
The most glaring omission, though, is what to do about the lack of minority and female owners of news outlets. Women make up more than half of the nation's population, and minorities are on a path to a majority. Yet, minorities and women have little say in what is read, watched and listened to.
A study by Free Press — a group working to inform and give the public a voice in the national media debate — found that women own only 6 percent of full-power radio stations and account for 28 percent of nonfarm businesses.
The numbers are only slightly better for minorities, who own 7.7 percent of full-power radio stations contrasted with 18 percent of nonfarm businesses.
There is a chance for some relief. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee recently passed the Local Radio Community Act of 2007. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., would help low-power FM (LPFM) gain a foothold on the dial. The 10- to 100-watt LPFM stations are an affordable way into the media.
The best hope for minority and women gaining influence in the press lies in a Senate bill introduced by Sens. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and Trent Lott, R-Miss. The Media Ownership Act of 2007 would force the FCC to create an independent panel to study broadcast ownership by minorities and women.
The FCC's plan would only further alienate women and minorities from a vital sector of American democracy. Any discussion of ownership has to include diversity.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: A tragic clash of cultures

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
262 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
261 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
204 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
177 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
157 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
128 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
94 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
85 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
84 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
71
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Rainier Pacific Financial calls rescue 'unlikely'






