The freedom to create and distribute movies and TV shows is threatened by a handful of giant media companies that want to control both programming and all the distribution channels in order to protect their own marketplace position.
Since 1995, the share of Independent TV production on prime time television has fallen from 50 percent to 18 percent. Why? Because a few giant media conglomerates - News Corp, NBC / Universal, Disney, TimeWarner, CBS / Viacom - have combined TV and cable networks, movie studios and distribution channels to control as much of our entertainment system as possible, leaving independents gasping for air time. The result? Less quality programming for the public and fewer options for creative, talented people across the world.
While independent producers and distributors have been pushed out of the marketplace, the Federal Communications Commission has chosen not to address the issue, despite simple solutions for relief to ensure the survival of diversity in programming. Today, the future of the Internet is also at risk as huge telecom and cable companies strike deals to secure program supply for the broadband networks they control. Without help, this last open frontier for independent voices may also be fenced off to protect these giant companies' investments.
Cable and telecommunications providers are opposed to network neutrality rules, but FCC chairman Julius Genachowski says "the goals are more broadly shared than people think" and that the creation of "sensible rules" is achievable. Genachowski recently reiterated that the U.S. needs to "preserve a free and open Internet" with network neutrality rules.
Join the Fight for Independents! Protect the public’s access to challenging films and entertaining television in theaters, on TV and over the Internet. Sign our letter to the new FCC asking them to protect the public’s access to independent film and TV programs by requiring media conglomerates to air a minimum amount of independently created programming. Help preserve quality, creativity, and democracy in media!
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