We Need More Independent Media Voices

I recently learned of the decision by the Walt Disney Company to block its own film company, Miramax, from distributing a new documentary by Michael Moore, “Fahrenheit 911.” Disney executives reportedly made their decision because they felt the film was too partisan.The documentary traces the links between the Bush family and prominent Saudi Arabian families.

Not everyone agrees with Michael Moore’s politics. And this documentary certainly is controversial. But no corporation should have the right to tell me what films I can see. Disney has this power because it owns ABC, film studios, TV and radio stations, and cable channels. I am concerned that this is yet another example of the dangers of media consolidation, as corporations decide what people should and shouldn’t see.

There are other examples. Recently, Sinclair Broadcasting decided that “Nightline’s” tribute to the dead U.S. soldiers in Iraq was too partisan and pulled the program from its ABC affiliates. What will be the next issue too controversial for us to see?

Congress must act to stop the growth of giant media corporations that can control our access to information and entertainment. Call your member of Congress and ask him or her to prevent the growing concentration of the media.

Bob McKiernan
Shorewood