Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Editorials / Opinion


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Friday, February 8, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Editorial

Obama and the media

Sen. Barack Obama's strong performance in the ongoing Democratic nomination process against a formidable competitor is a testament to the man's ability to touch the possibility of change.

Sen. Barack Obama's strong performance in the ongoing Democratic nomination process against a formidable competitor is a testament to the man's ability to touch the possibility of change.

His is a message of common-sense governing, of people back in control of their government, of transparency in the public square.It's no wonder then that Obama is a champion of preserving that exquisite yet fragile balance between government, society and the media. He understands that information is power, that the strength of more voices can better hold their governments and public institutions accountable.

The Seattle Times endorsed Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination for many reasons, not the least of which is that he makes the most plausible — indeed, utterly believable — argument he can foment change in this weary nation.

But his populist bent on media issues is especially encouraging. He doesn't merely speak about it; he fights for it. He co-sponsored the recently introduced Media Ownership Act, which passed the Senate commerce committee in December.

The bill would force the Federal Communications Commission to, as Obama said, "place its public charge ahead of its concern for corporate profits." Indeed, the bill was a response to the FCC's brazen deference to hungry corporations gobbling up community voices at the expense of communities best served by a diversity of owners and opinions.

Obama is especially concerned about the mounting obstacles to women and minorities entering the ranks of media ownership and management. The bill would force the FCC to weight the scale to the public good.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law

Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: New York trial a propaganda coup for terrrorists

Advertising

Video

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Real Salt Lake is handed the 2009 MLS Cup trophy at Qwest Field, November 22, 2009.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors
Interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

Advertising