The FCC Challenge

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Craig Aaron, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>
Date: Mar 26, 2013 1:59 PM
Subject: The FCC Challenge
To: "Daniel A. Stafford" <aquarianm@gmail.com>
Cc:

Dear Daniel, Big news: Julius Genachowski is history. The Federal Communications Commission chairman is stepping down — and we need to seize the moment to push for a chair who won't cater to corporate interests.  Genachowski claimed broadband was his agency's top priority, but stood by as prices rose and competition dwindled. He claimed to be a staunch defender of the open Internet, but his Net Neutrality rules are full of loopholes. When we needed someone to stand up to the phone and cable companies, Genachowski almost always caved. Worse still, he signed off on the destructive Comcast-NBC merger. And he pushed the Bush administration's failed media ownership policies in spite of overwhelming public opposition. We can't afford another FCC chair who's on Rupert Murdoch's side instead of yours. Tell the President: Pick an FCC Chair Who Will Fight for the Public President Obama is expected to announce his pick for Genachowski's successor soon. We need someone who will:  Protect Net Neutrality. The next FCC chair will face the fallout from a major court decision on the FCC's Open Internet rules. Whatever the ruling, the FCC chair must make protecting Internet users the top priority.  Promote Broadband Competition. We need more choices for high-speed Internet service. The FCC has the power to block mergers, foster innovation and free up more of the public airwaves. The chair shouldn't let AT&T and its pals kill off the few consumer protections we have left. Free Our Phones. The White House recently urged Congress and the FCC to legalize cellphone unlocking. The next chair should stand up for our right to use our devices anywhere and any way we choose. Create Real Media Diversity. As our nation becomes increasingly diverse, we need a media system that reflects this reality. The FCC is the only agency with a mandate to make our media more diverse, local and accountable.  Expose the Dirty Money. The FCC must use its power to demand transparency from political advertisers and local broadcasters. It should require the funders of attack ads to put their names in the actual ads. Tell President Obama: We Need an FCC Chair Who's on Our Side We need the next chair to understand that the public interest comes first. We need someone who'll stand up for the rest of us. Onward, Craig Aaron Free Press Action Fund P.S. No matter who leads the FCC, the agency needs to put people first every step of the way. Help us stay vigilant by making a $5 monthly donation to the Free Press Action Fund. Thank you.

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