Minority groups say civil rights getting worse at the FCC

FCC Spokesman Robert
Kenny said, “We are committed to upholding and fostering the civil
rights of every American and remain focused on truly making a difference
in people’s lives — to spur opportunities for people through policy
initiatives that harness technology and adapt to a changing
communications landscape in America. This FCC has made great strides in
this area, from its work with Comcast and NBCU and fixing key
provisions in the Sirius-XM merger to working with Congress to resolve a
significant dispute over Arbitron’s Portable People Meter service. The
Commission’s March meeting will build on these efforts as address real
life issues and concerns facing Native Americans and finding new ways to
bring 21st Century technologies to their communities. We will continue
to push forward with strong, sensible ideas that will actually make a
difference.”

The groups argue the FCC has failed to respond to concerns they raised a year ago, including the 50 percent decrease in minority television-entity ownership since 1999 and the near-complete absence of minorities among the ranks of radio employees.

“We did not think it possible that a year later, the status of civil rights at the FCC would get even worse, but it has,” the letter states.

The groups argue that despite the fact minority radio, TV and cable channel ownership is “spiraling towards zero” the FCC has still yet to approve any minority ownership proposals and has only reviewed one of 72 before the agency.

They also complain about the paucity of stimulus broadband grants for minority business owners and request a meeting with the FCC and lawmakers including Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Reps. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Ed Towns (D-N.Y.).