Media Concentration and Internet Access

Concentration of ownership and control of media distribution channels seriously affects IFTA Members' ability to reach the marketplace. IFTA favors regulatory intervention when necessary to ensure that there is open and fair access for independent product. IFTA supports efforts to ensure that the principles of non-discrimination and open access also are extended to the Internet ("net neutrality").

Documents

IFTA Calls for Inquiry on Media Consolidation

IFTA worries that the volume of independent programming available to the public "has dropped precipitously."

IFTA Applauds FCC’s Examination of the Future of Media<

IFTA’s comments urge the FCC to examine factors that threaten Americans’ access to diverse sources of news, information and programming.
IFTA Files Comments With the FCC to Preserve an Open Internet

IFTA’s submission argues that principles of transparency and non-discrimination are essential to ensure consumers that independent programming will be available on the Internet.

IFTA Comments on the National Broadband Plan

IFTA emphasizes the need for a national Internet infrastructure based on nondiscriminatory and transparent network management practices by ISPs in order to preserve and promote open access to diverse sources of legal content and applications on the Internet.

IFTA’s open letter to President-elect Barack Obama

IFTA letter urging any appointees for FCC chairman and commissioner to support principles of openness and diversity in the media.

IFTA Comments filed at FCC in Opposition to MPAA Petition. May 21, 2008

IFTA asks the FCC to deny the MPAA’s request for a permanent waiver on the current prohibition on the use of Selectable Output Controls (SOC) because it would reduce public access to a more diverse set of programming.

IFTA Letter in Reference to H.R. 5353, “Internet Freedom and Preservation Act of 2008.” May 6, 2008

IFTA commends the House Energy & Commerce Telecommunications & the Internet Subcommittee for holding its hearing on HR 5353, the "Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008", and expresses its support for the bill's goals.

IFTA Testimony at FCC Hearing on Broadband Network Management Practices. April 17, 2008

IFTA asks the Commission to set policies to ensure that diverse content and innovative services are not blocked or discouraged under the rubric of "network management".

IFTA Letter to Dan Glickman regarding Net Neutrality. Mar 14, 2008

IFTA responds to speech by MPAA President/CEO Dan Glickman announcing studios' opposition to "net neutrality" regulation (ShoWest "State of the Industry" speech, March 11, 2008).

The Impact of the ... Oligopoly on ... Independent. Oct. 23, 2006

A study by Mark Cooper, PhD. and Director of Research, Consumer Federation of America, documenting the decline of independently supplied programming to the US television and cable networks since regulatory changes adopted by the FCC in the mid-1990s. Filed as Appendix A to IFTA Comments (10/23/2006).

IFTA Comments filed at FCC on Media Consolidation & Cross Ownership Rules. Oct. 23, 2006

IFTA requests the Commission to adopt rules limiting the amount of programming that US major networks, MSOs and cable companies may obtain from entities owned or affiliated with any of such companies.

AFMA (now IFTA) Comments filed at FCC on Media Consolidation & Cross Ownership Rules. May 12, 2003

AFMA requests the Commission to consider the ongoing impact of media consolidation on independent program supply to the US media.