The Federal Communications Commission’s Localism Task Force is currently holding hearings around the nation to evaluate how well broadcasters are upholding their public service requirements in the communities they serve and to take input on the new licensing process for low-power FM stations (a proposed official replacement for illegal “pirate” stations.) On Wednesday, Jan. 28, hearings will be held in San Antonio, 5:30-9:30pm, in the City Council Chamber of the Municipal Plaza Building, 103 Main Plaza. For more details, see the FCC’s Web site at www.fcc.gov/localism; for an activist perspective, try www.prometheusradio.org or www.mediareform.net. Austin supporters of increased public access to the airwaves will hold several events leading up to the hearing:
A “Code Orange” Dinner, Discussion, and Dance Benefit on Friday, Jan. 23, will feature UT communications professor Laura Smith speaking about how consolidation of the media affects diversity and localism. Discussion will focus on “Maintaining Our Freedom in a Code Red Environment.” The event will benefit efforts to persuade KUT to carry the syndicated Democracy Now! program. The Awarehouse, 3800 S. Congress, 7pm. $10 suggested donation; see www.iconmedia.org/democracynow for more info.
Austin author/anti-war activist Rahul Mahajan will speak on Sat., Jan. 24, about his recent trip to Iraq with United for Peace & Justice, presenting a differing view from mainstream media reporting. The program also includes poetry by Thom the World Poet and music by Bill Passalacqua. Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress, 9pm. Free.
A concert titled FCC Can’t Control the Music will celebrate noncorporate music on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Rockstars, 418 E. Sixth, 9pm. Featuring Freakaphonic, Dave’s Not Here, and Guy Forsyth. $5 cover.
Liz Carpenter, Jim Hightower, and others will speak out against the corporate stranglehold over media and its adverse effects on localism and diversity on Monday, Jan. 26, 11am, tentatively scheduled to be held at the Texas Association of Broadcasters Building, 502 E. 11th. (Check www.mediareform.net/townmeetings/SA_events.php or call 389-0215 for final confirmation.)
Also on Monday, Jan. 26, a panel discussion titled “How to Reclaim the Airwaves” will feature “media and policy insiders” discussing how to fight the FCC’s media privatization efforts. Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School of Public Affairs, corner of 26th and Red River (UT campus), 7pm. Free.
As for the hearing itself, activist organizers recommend that those wishing to testify should arrive early — they warn that “line-standers,” reportedly paid for by media-owning corporations, will be trying to take up space and limit the amount of time for activists to speak.
This article appears in January 23 • 2004.