Change the Channels - Stop Newsroom Consolidation Now

Media consolidation is a dangerous problem, reducing the number of independent sources of news—that's why there are rules to control it. But media companies have devised a way around those rules, and are pursuing profits at the expense of the communities they're supposed to serve.

"Covert consolidation" takes many forms, but in many cases, one news team produces a single newscast for multiple stations. The result: less news about your community and fewer journalists holding our leaders accountable.

Worst of all, stations claim they don't have to report these deals to anyone.

Now, you can join with others in your community to help uncover these dirty deals; submit video and information to our national database; and take action to pressure local broadcasters. Together we'll build a case against covert consolidation that the Federal Communications Commission won't be able to ignore. Go to www.savethenews/changethechannels.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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• Change the Channels
• SavetheNews.org
• newsroom consolidation
• covert consolidation
• diversity in media
• broadcast news
• TV news

[bette1122]

Your right it seems like I am watching the All Barack Channel ABC, NBC CBS MSNBC CNN all the same news. They all report wonderful it is. and they are...

I am tired of the brainwashing on all channels, also the papers and magazines as TIME.

You have to get rid of the fluff on both sides and look for the real story....

[jkirk1626]

Leftist tripe to relegate all media and journalism in the hands of the government, where government censors whatever it dislikes. If you don't like private broadcasts, don't watch them and they'll go out of business. If you don't like government media, it doesn't matter. They get your tax funds whether you like it or not. It's frightening the contempt the Left has for freedom and the Constitution. That's why NYT, SEIU, CNN, Obama's Cass Sunstein dismissively editorialize the Const as obsolete.

[Malaikatrendy]

It's funny that younger than 20 yrs. old don't typically register this consolidation as a blip on the radar---as horrendous. And older than 50 "couch lemmings" are solidly in tune with intellectual drainage.

[lainfi888]

its time for a rise in free and volunteer press. for the people by the people!

[jessejarseneau]

This is a terrible thing, but you are simply wrong about record profits. Advertising revenue is either down or stagnant. Local news isn't as profitable because of competition from other media outlets and the internet. This still sucks though, I wish people would stand up for diversity of news sources.

[JoeNick78]

While I agree with you in principle, you might want to check your sources on the reasons this is happening. Local television stations are NOT making record profits these days. That's why TV station salaries have NOT kept up with the rest of the private sector, and we're losing producers and reporters to industries like Public Relations. Remember: TV profits come from advertising, and in a recession, very few local businesses are spending the money for television advertising these days.

[mvigor]

Good article. Scary topic.

It might be easier to listen to if you tone down the hi-hat a bit.