Who we are
Save the Cross Ownership Ban!
If the media reform group FreePress.net is pushing this now (and it is), then you can believe that the Obama FCC is poised to kill the ban on cross ownership of newspapers and TV/radio in large markets, just as the Bush FCC wanted (a court overturned the ban last summer and sent it back to the FCC for further consideration; all this is described in our film Save KLSD: Media Consolidation & Local Radio; Sign the online letter below to the FCC and let your voices be heard.
http://www.savethenews.org/blog/11/11/30/end-big-broadcast-swindle
Media Rapid Response Effort Launched
A new Media Rapid Response effort has been launched in San Diego to expose lies and half-truths perpetrated by right wing propaganda; Anyone seeing a biased, right wing, false or misleading story or account in the San Diego Union Tribune, on local TV or radio, on a flyer, or via other news outlets, or uttered by one of our truth-averse local Republicans — can send along the story, link, quote, etc. directly to Media@sddemocrats.org. Post submitted by CPR’s Jeff Benesch.
Events & News
NEWS (for more, see Jennifer Douglas’s Wonderful World of Media Reform blog)
May 8, 2011: Stacy Taylor hosts again on Saturdays, (1-4pm for now) on KGO/AM810 (SF’s #1 station) Contact KGO (choose the General Manager from the dropdown list) and tell them how much you like Stacy on the air. KGO can be streamed online and also heard on the radio in SD and the western U.S. at night. Stacy provided a sharp progressive viewpoint when he hosted on San Diego’s KLSD/AM1360 then AM1700 several years ago.
April 26, 2011: Keith Olbermann’s new show debuts on Current TV on June 20 5pm Pacific Time, repeating at 8pm. (Channel 251 on Time Warner in San Diego). He’s now a CTV equity partner and chief news officer. Current TV is building a studio in New York for Keith (and other programs): See new interview with Current TV’s Joel Hyatt> Turns out Al Gore offered him a job right after he left MSNBC Jan. 21, 2010. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/al-gore-offered-keith-olbermann-97680; http://current.com/keith-olbermann/
Dec. 12, 2010: If you live in a radio wasteland like San Diego, there’s a way to get your fix of progressive talk via your smartphone for free. Check out Stitcher radio — it has streaming podcasts, radio shows and news from Stephanie Miller, Mike Malloy, and Bill Press radio shows and audio from the Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann shows and much more. More info at the Wonderful World of Media Reform blog.
Dec. 5, 2010 Video of MSNBC news analyst Richard Wolffe appearing in San Diego, speaking on the need for balanced views on talk radio and a nonprofit model. Interviewed by CPR member Jennifer Douglas for the forthcoming film “Save KLSD” about the demise of KLSD/AM1360 radio and the rise of conservative talk radio. Wolffe spoke at The City Club, on his new book: “Revival: The Struggle for Survival Inside the Obama White House”.
Dec. 2, 2010: In a bold move that confirms what CPR and other media reformers have been saying for a long time, FCC Commissioner Copps says journalism is in “grave peril”, calls for new “public values” standards (more local news and public affairs programming) in order for TV and radio stations to retain their broadcast licenses. See New York Times article.
Jan. 4, 2011: President Obama signed the Local Community Radio Act, which will create more low-power FM, community radio stations. LPFM activist group Prometheus Radio applauded the long-awaited action. Background on low power radio.
March 2010: Citizen Groups Ask FCC to Address Diversity in Media Ownership.
EVENTS
CPR (Campaign for Press Reform) Monthly Meeting: Next meeting set for Monday, May 23, 2011, 6:30-8:30pm, 8340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #105, San Diego, CA 92111-1320.
Feb. 26, 2011: CPR’s Mike Thaller and Mera Szendro Bok attended the 4th Annual Los Angeles Media Reform Conference,
http://www.commoncause.org/site/apps/fc/form.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=6099161
April 8-10, 2011 (Boston): Advocacy group Free Press held its National Conference on Media Reform, http://conference.freepress.net. CPR-San Diego’s Chair Mike Thaller and Save KLSD film producer Jon Monday attended.
Endorse our Resolution!!
Good Morning and greetings from San Diego!
I am the Progressive Caucus Liaison for A.D. 74, in North San Diego County. This past Tuesday night, the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee adopted a resolution on Media Diversity drafted by the Campaign for Progressive Radio-San Diego (CPR-SD), of which I am a member of the steering committee. Last night, the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club (in San Diego’s East County) adopted this resolution.
The Board of Progressive Democrats of San Diego has also voted to endorse. We plan to submit to the CA Democratic Party for consideration at the CDP Annual Convention in Sacramento April 24-26.
Following is the text of the Resolution. CPR-SD is an outgrowth of the Save KLSD movement, we have continued to stay loosely organized to provide whatever support we can for progressive radio in San Diego, and more broadly, progressive media.
Since one of the Progressive Caucus’ interests is Media Reform, I ask for your help in accomplishing what could be a very meaningful action by California Democrats, particularly as right-wing dominated talk radio goes after President Obama tooth-and-nail.
THANK YOU for your consideration and please let me know if you have any questions. If your organization does adopt this Resolution, please let me know so I can add it to our list of supporters.
Martha Sullivan
CDP Delegate, A.D. 74
Resolution for Media Diversification
WHEREAS: The quality of American journalism across all media has substantially declined over the past several years, particularly since the media deregulation of 1996.
WHEREAS: The number of journalists and investigative reporters has decreased at an alarming rate.
WHEREAS: The number of companies that own and control the mass media decreased from about 81 companies in 1981 to 6 monolithic conglomerates in 1996. Local broadcast journalism and media production have steadily vanished from the airwaves, resulting in a less informed electorate to the detriment of the public interest and our democratic model.
WHEREAS: Less than 8 percent of radio stations and 3 percent of television stations are owned by traditionally under-represented interests.*
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the San Diego County Democratic Party adopts a position in favor of diverse media ownership as well as improved and increased journalism by encouraging media reform and promoting activism in furtherance of this position.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the San Diego County Democratic Party adopt a policy calling upon the President, the Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repair the damage that resulted from the unprecedented concentration of mass media ownership in the US, which may involve, but is not limited to, exploring the application of antitrust laws, proscriptions against restraint of trade, and the protections of ‘free press’ contained within the First Amendment.
* FreePress.net 2008
CPR to Co-Sponsor Media Forum at Occidental College
How happy are you with your local news? How are the issues you care about being covered?
If you are concerned that our democracy and your community are being underserved by the state of today’s media, then you should join us for this informative half-day summit.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
11:00am to 5:15pm, with reception to follow
Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA
Mosher Auditorium in the Norris Hall of Chemistry
Keynote Speaker
Dominique DiPrima is host of the early morning talk radio show The Front Page on Los Angeles radio station KJLH 102.3-FM. Ms. DiPrima is also producer of the program.
Ms. DiPrima spent three years as a co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show on KKBT-FM, and in limited syndication. She served as one of “Harvey’s Angels” interviewing celebrities, and providing fuel for Harvey’s humor. In addition she was the News Director/Anchor for the show. Dominique is a talk radio veteran, with a stint as Host and Producer of her own talk show Street Science with Dominique DiPrima for almost nine years on 100.3-FM The Beat. Street Science with Dominique DiPrima tackled topics of relevance to the Beat’s primarily African American and Latino 18-35 year-old audience. She also served as Community Action Director at the Beat, building the department into an unprecedented large activist arm of the radio station, and working closely with grassroots community organizations. Street Science… earned Dominique an L.A. Weekly “Best of L.A.” award, and a Gracie Award from the American Women in Radio and Television among many others.
Panel Discussions
• How do local media help or hurt our communities?
• How can we participate in media to affect local social change?
Panelists
Brad Friedman, BradBlog.com
Linda Milazzo, Widely published journalist and teacher
Anthony Samad, Syndicated columnist- Black Commentator, LA Progressive
Mario Solis-Marich, The Mario Solis-Marich Show KTLK AM1150
Moderated by Tanya Acker, Political Analyst (CNN, MSNBC, FOX)
Sample Breakout Sessions:
- Citizen journalism/Internet: You Be the News or U B the News
- Using Social Networking to get your message out
- Not being heard? Start your own story
- Breaking the Digital Divide: Internet for Everyone
- Saving LA Public Access
- Indigenous Media
Sign up to attend today so that you can:
• Gain and share knowledge/experience
• Network with local activists
• Learn how today’s media environment affects what we know — and what we don’t
• Get tips on how to make your message heard
• Find out ways to bring about change.
Tickets are $15 in advance / $20 at the door / $10 for students (with valid ID) and youth (18 and under). If you register online in advance and pay at the door, the cost will be the $15 advance price.
Sponsored by California Common Cause, the Center for Media Justice and the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute (UEPI) at Occidental College.
Co-sponsored by: Access Humboldt * Alliance for Community Media, Western Region * California NOW * Center for Creative Voices in Media * Center for Governmental Studies * CWA Local 9000 * Courage Campaign * Dick and Sharon’s LA Progressive * Free Press * Future of Music Coalition * LA Alliance for a New Economy * Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund * Little Tokyo Service Center * Mashable.com * Media Alliance * Media and Democracy Coalition * National Alliance for Media Arts & Culture (NAMAC) * National Hispanic Media Coalition * San Diego Campaign for Progressive Radio * Valley Democrats United * Velvet Revolution * AfterDowningStreet * SmirkingChimp * OpEdNews * CODEPINK
Obama Picks New FCC Chair
From Timothy Karr at the Huffington Post:
Obama’s FCC Pick Another Good Sign for Open Media
As anticipated, Julius Genachowski has been tapped by President Barack Obama to head the Federal Communications Commission.
The move is another indication that incoming leadership in Washington will move decisively to protect the free flowing Internet from those seeking to become gatekeepers to new media.
It also fulfills Obama’s promise made on the campaign trail to appoint an FCC chair who shares his support for Net Neutrality.
Genachowski, If confirmed by Senate, Genachowski would replace Kevin Martin, who left the agency the day Obama came into office. He brings two decades of experience from both the industry and policy side, having served as a top-executive in IT and venture capital firms and as former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt’s chief legal counsel.
Genachowski also anchored the drafting of Obama’s comprehensive media policy agenda that promotes fast and neutral Internet connections, and more competitive choices for the consumer.
“It is clear that he understands the importance of open networks and a regulatory environment that promotes innovation and competition to a robust democracy and a healthy economy,” said Gigi Sohn of Public Knowledge.
Net Neutrality Momentum
With Genachowski’s nomination, the pieces are falling into place for strong Net Neutrality protections under the new administration.
Written into the DNA of President Obama economic stimulus is the requirement that those who build Internet networks (using the nearly $4.7 billion in NTIA grants provided by the legislation) adhere to the nondiscrimination and openness principles at the core of Net Neutrality.
Obama’s goals for the FCC
Obama himself pledged to “take a back seat to no one” in his commitment to Net Neutrality. And the administration’s technology policies now posted on the White House Web site list Net Neutrality as the top priority.
Also, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) announced last month that he will lead the influential Senate Commerce subcommittee on communications and technology.
Kerry is a longtime supporter of Net Neutrality, who wrote to SavetheInternet.com activists that “Net Neutrality and internet build-out are crucial to building a more modern and fair Information Society.”
New v. Old, Open v. Closed
Genachowski will play a central role during a unique time in media history.
Open Internet supporters on the Hill, in the White House and at the FCC are facing off against industry interests who often wield their influence over communications policy to lock down new media innovation and protect their media fiefdoms.
Through a combination of forces — including remarkable developments in technology, surging user ingenuity, industry turmoil and policy mistakes — old and new media have arrived at a volatile moment.
It’s a conflict that pits new ideas about grassroots and decentralized communications against old ideologies about top-down information control.
The decisions made in the next few years by Genachowski, Obama and their Washington allies will determine the outcome.
His appointment should give open Internet supporters confidence that we’re on the right track.
Pelosi Backs Talk Radio Regulations
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is supporting legislation that will force the Federal Communications Commission to “promote diversity” on the airwaves – a move many see as a stealth effort to regulate conservative-dominated talk radio without bringing back the controversial Fairness Doctrine. Pelosi, D-Calif., has thrown her support to an amendment in a Senate bill that directs the FCC to explicitly “take actions to encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership and to ensure that broadcast station licenses are used in the public interest,” according to CNS News. The amendment has become known as the Durbin amendment, after its sponsor, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin, D-Ill. “Certainly, I support Mr. Durbin in most things,” Pelosi told CNS News. “Diversity in media ownership is very, very, important.” The amendment is clearly an attempt to revive the Fairness Doctrine – an unpopular FCC regulation removed in 1987 that forced broadcasters to grant equal airtime to opposing political viewpoints, Republican Rep. Mike Pence told CNS News. “Its clear to me that Democrats, having failed in their frontal assault on talk radio in America through the Fairness Doctrine, are now shifting strategy to a form of regulation that is essentially the Fairness Doctrine by stealth,” Pence, R-Ind., a former radio broadcaster, told CNS. Minutes after the passage of the Durbin amendment last Thursday a separate amendment that would ban the restoration of the Fairness Doctrine, which was proposed by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), was also attached to the same D.C. voting rights bill and passed by a vote of 87-11. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said he thinks Republicans may be able to muster the votes to stop it when it gets to his chamber. “I think as we get into the appropriations process you will see us continue our effort to make sure the Fairness Doctrine is not put back into place,” Boehner told CNS News at his weekly press conference on Thursday. “And I do believe the votes are in the Congress to make sure that happens.” The primary text of the Durbin amendment reads: SEC.9 FCC Authorities. (a) Clarification of General Powers. – Title III of the Communications Act of 1934 is amended by inserting after section 303 (47 U.S.C. 303) the following new section: SEC.303B. Clarification of General Powers. (a) Certain Affirmative Actions Required – The Commission shall take actions to encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership and to ensure that broadcast station licenses are used in the public interest. … The language is virtually identical to a policy position that has been long developed by Democrats and has been recently taken up by the Obama administration over calls by some to revive the Fairness Doctrine. The White House now aims to “encourage diversity in the ownership of broadcast media, promote the development of new media outlets for expression of diverse viewpoints, and clarify the public interest obligations of broadcasters who occupy the nation’s spectrum.” That philosophy is part of a position established earlier at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank headed by former Obama transition leader John Podesta. The center published a report calling for a new “localism” and “ownership diversity” regulations to balance conservative talk radio with so-called “progressive” talk radio. The report, “The Structural Imbalance of Political Talk Radio,” concludes with the following recommendations: “[A]ny effort to encourage more responsive and balanced radio programming will first require steps to increase localism and diversify radio station ownership to better meet local and community needs. We suggest three ways to accomplish this:
- Restore local and national caps on the ownership of commercial radio stations.
- Ensure greater local accountability over radio licensing.
- Require commercial owners who fail to abide by enforceable public interest obligations to pay a fee to support public broadcasting.”
© 2009 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Help get Bree Walker on the Air in SF
If you’d like to help get BREE WALKER on the air in San Francisco ….
she is being considered for the 4-7pm drive time slot at 960AM ….
see http://www.BreeWalker.com and listen to some great samples of her on-air work …
Please go to the blog below and leave a comment with some nice words of support…
it’s easy….no need to register or log in…u can do it anonymously…
This is where the polling is taking place, with comments….
http://green960.com/pages/blog.html?feed=313154&article=5120216
Help keep a Progressive Talker on the air. . .
Hey all!
Brad Friedman of BradBlog has been doing an excellent job of keeping the news up to date on the PBC show. Here’s the link to the latest:
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6992#more-6992
And the “above the fold” text:
Not Dead YET: A ‘Peter B. Collins Show’ Update
Listener activists scramble to keep the Progressive talker on the air,
but time is short, and the fight is difficult…
I wanted to offer an update on the Peter B. Collins situation, that I
detailed last Friday following Peter’s announcement that he would be
leaving the air after this Friday’s program due to the difficult time he
has been having in continuing to self-finance and self-syndicate his
daily, live radio show in this economic climate, and under the rigid
Progressives-need-not-apply rightwing corporate control of our public
airwaves. [Disclosure: I am a regular weekly guest and occasional
fill-in host for PBC, just to get that out of the way.]
Following last Friday’s announcement on his show, some of the audio of which we posted with last week’s article, a number of listeners have
been working to help determine if sustainable funding could be raised to keep PBC on the air. I’ve been in close touch with Peter, both before his announcement last week, and since then. I have, of course, offered any help I might be able to provide, but what can feasibly done has been difficult to determine.
He noted during last week’s show that his monthly costs are just over
$5000 to stay on the air, and that while a miracle could happen to help keep him on the air, stations had been notified, and the outlook wasn’t good.
Folks have asked me what can be done, and I’ve been doing my best to try and figure that out, while respecting both listeners’ feelings (and the avoidance of building up hopes, only to see them dashed) and Peter’s concerns, which are similar. But I’ll take the liberty of trying to share some of his feelings here, many of which he’s now shared himself publicly in a blog item he posted at his website over the weekend, and then during today’s program (selected audio from which I’ll post at the end of this article) in response to a number of callers rallying to see what they can do to help keep him on the air…
For more, go to http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6992#more-6992
Yours in the Cause,
Aldous Tyler,
NonStop Radio
Sign Up
Progressive Radio in San Diego
Where you can hear a progressive voice on San Diego's airwaves
Upcoming Events
Whitepaper - CPR San Diego Purpose, Options & Strategies
Read how we were placed into this situation, and what we want to do to get os out of it.
Progressive News
Progressive Radio Outlets
Follow these links to listen to progressive radio.
Sign A Petition
Support our efforts to bring progressive radio to San Diego.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to our e-news. Every month you recieve all the latest info, straight to your inbox.