.
Citing grave concern for the Long Island public, both as news consumers and as advertisers, the Fair Media Council today denounced Cablevision’s acquisition of Newsday and its holdings.
“Such an acquisition simply places too much power in the hands of too few,” said Jaci Clement, executive director of the Fair Media Council. “Cablevision’s dominance as the only 24-hour news channel on Long Island, combined with Newsday being the sole daily local newspaper, spells serious trouble for the 2.7 million people on Long Island who need – and deserve — a diversity of information and viewpoints in their news. Such a media monopoly also poses a threat for the 87,000 small businesses that comprise the backbone of the Long Island economy and need affordable avenues for advertising.”
“If you take Newsday and its other products, plus News 12, you’re looking at the ability for one media outlet to come into every home on Long Island,” said Clement. “You’re also looking at the ability for one media outlet to ignore news it doesn’t want the public to know.”
The Fair Media Council, an advocate for quality local news coverage and a 501c3 organization, is comprised of about 200 regional businesses and nonprofit organizations. More information may be obtained at www.fairmediacouncil.org.
Jaci Clement will be speaking about media Reform at the post-election November 5, 2008 Babylon Green Party Gathering
Filed under: local, Long Island Politics, media, More Events Calendars, News, Press Release, reform Tagged: | Cable Vision, News12, Newsday
Well put.