The Supreme Court has long held that “the rights of the viewers and listeners are paramount” and that “the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the welfare of the public.” The largest media conglomerates, however, see things differently. That’s why they tirelessly lobby the Federal Communications Commission for fewer restrictions on the size and influence of media companies, and greater authority to shut out independent voices and ideas.

In 2003, the FCC bowed to special interest pressure and voted to weaken longstanding media ownership rules, even though a massive coalition of groups across the political spectrum sent over 3 million comments opposing the proposal to the FCC and Congress. If the rules are weakened—more big media companies will be allowed to own both the largest newspaper and the largest television station in any city.

That’s why PIRG is working hard to get Congress and the FCC to take the side of American citizens over big media corporations. Media monopolies are bad for consumers, bad for society and bad for democracy. We’re standing up to special interest influence to make sure our television, radio and internet remain true marketplaces of ideas.