Press Release
President Obama: 'I'm a Big Believer in Net Neutrality'
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- On Monday, in an "interview" conducted via YouTube as a follow-up to his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama reaffirmed his strong commitment to maintaining an open and neutral Internet.
"I'm a big believer in Net Neutrality," said President Obama, who has made the principle of Network Neutrality a centerpiece of his technology agenda. "I campaigned on this. I continue to be a strong supporter of it. My FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has indicated that he shares the view that we've got to keep the Internet open, that we don't want to create a bunch of gateways that prevent somebody who doesn't have a lot of money but has a good idea from being able to start their next YouTube or their next Google on the Internet."
"This is something we're committed to," he continued. "We're getting pushback, obviously, from some of the bigger carriers who would like to be able to charge more fees and extract more money from wealthier customers. But we think that runs counter to the whole spirit of openness that has made the Internet such a powerful engine for not only economic growth, but also for the generation of ideas and creativity."
Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP01t0Z4Hr8
Obama's answer came in response to a question from James Earlywine of Indianapolis, who asked: "An open Internet is a powerful engine for economic growth and new jobs. Letting large companies block and filter online content and services would stifle needed growth. What is your commitment to keeping the Internet open and neutral in America?"
YouTube collected questions and votes for five days after the State of the Union. The crowd-sourced interview was the first one given by the president since his speech. Earlywine’s question received more than 1,300 votes, placing it at the top of the list in the "jobs and economy" category.
Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press and SavetheInternet.com, made the following statement:
"Like the millions of Americans who have spoken out for Network Neutrality, President Obama understands that protecting the free and open Internet is crucial for promoting online innovation and commerce, encouraging investment, and turning around the economy. The president's ongoing support for Net Neutrality comes at an important moment. The Federal Communications Commission is crafting new rules that will shape the future of the Internet for a generation. The support that pushed this important question to the top, along with the thousands and thousands of public comments received by the FCC, is more proof that the American people expect this administration to safeguard the open Internet once and for all."
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
"I'm a big believer in Net Neutrality," said President Obama, who has made the principle of Network Neutrality a centerpiece of his technology agenda. "I campaigned on this. I continue to be a strong supporter of it. My FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has indicated that he shares the view that we've got to keep the Internet open, that we don't want to create a bunch of gateways that prevent somebody who doesn't have a lot of money but has a good idea from being able to start their next YouTube or their next Google on the Internet."
"This is something we're committed to," he continued. "We're getting pushback, obviously, from some of the bigger carriers who would like to be able to charge more fees and extract more money from wealthier customers. But we think that runs counter to the whole spirit of openness that has made the Internet such a powerful engine for not only economic growth, but also for the generation of ideas and creativity."
Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP01t0Z4Hr8
Obama's answer came in response to a question from James Earlywine of Indianapolis, who asked: "An open Internet is a powerful engine for economic growth and new jobs. Letting large companies block and filter online content and services would stifle needed growth. What is your commitment to keeping the Internet open and neutral in America?"
YouTube collected questions and votes for five days after the State of the Union. The crowd-sourced interview was the first one given by the president since his speech. Earlywine’s question received more than 1,300 votes, placing it at the top of the list in the "jobs and economy" category.
Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press and SavetheInternet.com, made the following statement:
"Like the millions of Americans who have spoken out for Network Neutrality, President Obama understands that protecting the free and open Internet is crucial for promoting online innovation and commerce, encouraging investment, and turning around the economy. The president's ongoing support for Net Neutrality comes at an important moment. The Federal Communications Commission is crafting new rules that will shape the future of the Internet for a generation. The support that pushed this important question to the top, along with the thousands and thousands of public comments received by the FCC, is more proof that the American people expect this administration to safeguard the open Internet once and for all."
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
