Rep. Johnson promotes diversity of ownership in media & telecommunications industries
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) recently sent a letter to Tom Wheeler, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, urging him to identify and eliminate market-entry barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially helping to create more diverse ownership in every area of media and telecommunications.
“The media industry still suffers from an extreme lack of diversity, especially in broadcast ownership,” Johnson’s letter states. “There are less than 50 full-power TV stations owned by people of color and every year the list grows smaller. Diversity in ownership is crucial in enhancing competition and benefitting consumers. [I strongly encourage the Commission] to seriously consider innovative proposals submitted by minority-owned entities.”
In addition to encouraging the Commission to uphold its important obligation to promote diversity, Rep. Johnson’s letter also calls for the FCC to release a Triennial Report on market-entry barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Commission continues to fall behind in its timely release of these reports, Johnson said.
“Minorities and women continue to face unique market-entry barriers. Timely reports and current data would empower the Commission to eliminate these barriers through practical solutions for facilitating full participation.”
Thirteen colleagues signed Rep. Johnson’s letter, including Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters of California, Bobby Rush of Illinois, Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., and Gwen Moore of Wisconsin.
To read the FCC’s response, click HERE.
As the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law (RRCAL), Rep. Johnson has focused on a lack of diversity in media ownership and importance of diverse ownership.
While the FCC’s response was much appreciated, Rep. Johnson will continue to advocate for minority-owned businesses and the elimination of barriers for small businesses as both are essential to marketplace competition.