Holding Media Accountable To The Public

Hate Speech  *   Media Ownership   *   Broadcaster Public Interest Obligations

Why This Matters

Our current media system, whether entertaining or informational, distributes content that is made by a few, yet consumed by millions.  Just a few corporations have been granted permission by the government to broadcast radio and television signals over our public airwaves (otherwise known as spectrum), and as such are mandated to “serve the public interest, convenience and necessity,” as noted in the 1927 Radio Act and the 1934 Communications Act.

Yet too often broadcasters fail to cover news and information that is important to the community, allow hateful or dangerous content to be aired, and place their profits above the community’s needs for diverse, vibrant cultural and civic affairs programming.  

In addition to the fiscal power we can exercise as consumers, we also have the power to demand better media policies. That’s why Media and Democracy Coalition members are working to hold broadcasters accountable to community standards, push the Federal Communications Commission to better enforce broadcaster public interest obligations, and stop efforts that would allow further consolidation of ownership of media outlets.   

Our Values

MADCo believes serving the public interest includes:

• Meaningful electoral and civic programming, which is the foundation for meaningful participation in government. 

• Media reflecting the presence and voices of people of color, women, labor, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other communities often underrepresented.

• Programming serving children, educational fare, and independently produced and local media.

When broadcasters are not fulfilling their role as public interest servants, by using hate speech, using offensive programming, or failing to promote civic engagement, people have the right to complain and demand change. 

Hate Speech

Hate Speech is abusive, slanderous, and vilifies certain groups, even calling on audiences to engage in violent acts against those who are targeted.  The U.S. Constitution has given us the freedom of speech and with it the power of dissent against content that violates community standards.  MADCo member groups are working to hold those who broadcast hate speech accountable. Learn more here. 

Media Ownership

Just a few corporations own the vast majority of our television, radio and print outlets.  Who owns the media determines which voices are heard and what cultural programming can be enjoyed.  Consolidation of ownership leads to homogenization of local cultural and news programming, and squeezes out ownership of media outlets by women and people of color.  MADCo members continue to fight against policies that would allow for more consolidation of ownership in the media marketplace.  Learn more.

Public Interest Obligations

Broadcast stations are supposed to maintain a public file that contains information on how they are meeting their public interest obligations.  This file could include information about community issues and how the station covered those topics.  Media and Democracy Coalition members want to see those public files be made available on line, and to expand the kind of data broadcasters are required to include in them.  Learn more.