Press Releases

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission has launched a formal investigation into growing payola scandal at four of the nation's largest radio broadcasters. According to a report in the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>, the FCC has issued "letters of inquiry" seeking documents from Clear Channel Communications, CBS Radio, Entercom Communications and Citadel Broadcasting.

WASHINGTON -- The Center for Media Democracy and Free Press today exposed an epidemic of fake news infiltrating local television broadcasts across country. At a press conference in Washington with FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein, the groups called for a crackdown on stations that present corporate-sponsored videos as genuine news to an unsuspecting audience.

WASHINGTON -- Four of the nation's largest radio conglomerates reportedly are negotiating a settlement with the Federal Communications Commission to head off an investigation into programmers taking illegal payments from record companies to play or promote their artists. Free Press, the national, nonpartisan media reform group, today urged the FCC not to let payola broadcasters off the hook.

NORFOLK, Va. -- More than 250 people came out to Old Dominion University on Thursday night for a "Town Meeting on the Future of the Media," voicing their concerns about media consolidation to Federal Communications Commissioner Michael J. Copps.

ST. CHARLES, MO. -- The <a href="http://www.cuwireless.net">Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network</a> (CUWiN), Free Press and Mid-Rivers Community Wireless Network will host the second <a href="http://www.wirelesssummit.org">National Summit for Community Wireless Networks</a> from March 31 to April 2 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.

Federal Communications Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps will visit Norfolk, Va., on March 30 to listen to local citizens' concerns about media consolidation. This "Town Meeting on the Future of the Media" is a rare opportunity for the public to participate directly in crafting media policies that serve the public interest. <b>WHAT:</b> Town Meeting on the Future of Media

Despite AOL's attempt to divide its critics, the DearAOL.com Coalition announced today it has grown tenfold from 50 organizations to more than 500 as it fights AOL's controversial plan to create a two-tiered Internet that leaves the little guy behind.

WASHINGTON - In response to the proposed $67 billion purchase of Bell South by AT&T, Free Press Policy Director Ben Scott issued the following statement:

WASHINGTON - In testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee today, Free Press Policy Director Ben Scott urged Congress to expand the Universal Service Fund (USF) to broadband networks without delay.

Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, Media Access Project and Free Press sent the following letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in response to introduction of the Internet Non-Discrimination Act of 2006: March 2, 2006 The Honorable Ron Wyden United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Wyden: