Today, the Federal Communications Commission passed an item that could benefit TV viewers by giving them increased access to diverse and independent programming. Public Knowledge applauds the Commission for voting to pass its video diversity Notice of Inquiry, which marks another step toward freeing consumers and programmers from the anti-competitive grip of pay TV giants.
The following can be attributed to Chris Lewis, Vice President of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge:
“Now is a great time to assess the landscape of diversity in the video marketplace, and to determine what strides have been made and what barriers still remain. Public Knowledge is especially interested in the way that online video can continue to grow diverse programming options that consumers demand. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn should be applauded for championing this inquiry. The broader the questions the FCC asks, the greater the opportunity it is to promote consumer choice.
“Independent, minority, and marginalized voices must be represented in our viewing options and given the freedom to tell own stories. Technological innovation and new modes of distribution do not change the need to ask these questions. Instead, new technology invites questions about the opportunities innovation presents to increase diversity and about the barriers that are shared by old and new modes of watching television.”
Please view our video marketplace issue page for more information.
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.