On the recordMarch 17, 2011
We need to go back to basic principles here. In 1934, when the Federal Communications Act was passed, people were given broadcast licenses to serve in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. The public owns the airwaves. In a country that wasn't run by corporations, we wouldn't be having this debate because the public has the inherent right to ownership of the airwaves. Theoretically, it should all be public radio, but it's not. There's just a small segment now of the airwaves we're talking about here. And this bill would stop that from being funded. It is absolutely unimaginable that Members of Congress are not aware of the history of how broadcast radio and TV came into being. This isn't about private ownership of the airwaves. This is about a basic public right; and if you take that right away, what you've done is totally capitulate to corporations in America. Protect NPR. {time} 1000
