April 12, 2006

Keep the Internet Open, Free and Independent

Love listening to your MP3s, reading your favorite blog, or checking on the latest sports scores? Soon, who your internet provider is may dictate what you can see and hear on the net.

The executives of AT&T, BellSouth and Verizon, among others, have drawn a line in the sand on the notion of a "free internet." These corporate giants want it their way: for their subscribers to only enjoy exclusive services on their network. That could mean anything from sites being blocked or only being able to download MP3s or podcasts from specific and provider-approved locations.

AT&T's Ed Whitacre bluntly noted, "The Internet can't be free…for anyone to expect to use these pipes for free is nuts."

I have been concerned about the issue of media consolidation for quite some time, and I believe that it contributes to the erosion of the very fabric of our democracy. When I read that the one place I felt was safe might fall prey as well, I was outraged. It is critical that we have an informed citizenry, and we should have access to a variety of news sources.

Citizen Hunter was my small way of contributing another place people could go to get information, and I would hate to think those with broadband might be blocked from viewing it or many other worthy sites on the web. In the current climate, the internet is the most open and independent venue for news and it helps to foster cooperation and democratic ideals. Please write to these CEO's and your Representatives in Congress and let them know you want it to stay that way.

As the key vote on net neutrality (telecom bill) comes up in the House in just a few weeks these articles spell out just the beginning of what we can look forward to if we don't win. So take action today and I will keep you up to date on what more you can do to keep the Internet free and independent in the days and weeks to come.

Also check out FreePress.net to learn more about "Internet Neutrality" and other crucial media policy debates. It is important to lobby and take action on issues to force our media to be more public interest-oriented.

UPDATE: Here is a second post on Big Media...

UPDATE 5/5: Congress Wrestles with Net Neutrality

UPDATE 5/6: Understand the Telecom bill before the house and take action!

UPDATE 5/15: Telephone and cable companies are spending millions in an attempt to mislead you on net neutrality. Stay informed, get the facts, don't be duped.



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