Sen. Al Franken: Media Mega-Mergers and FCC Rollback of Net Neutrality Threaten Democracy
Major developments in recent days could shape the nation’s media landscape for years to come. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission advanced a proposal that critics say threatens net neutrality, the concept of a free and open Internet. The new rules could allow Internet "fast lanes" where companies pay providers for faster access to consumers. That sparked a wave of protest from opponents who say the rules hand too much power to the major companies who can afford to shell out, consolidating their control at the expense of smaller competitors and consumers’ monthly bills. Similar concerns have been raised about a merger deal struck over the weekend. The telecom giant AT&T has agreed to buy satellite television operator DirecTV in a nearly $50 billion deal. The move comes just months after Comcast announced plans to merge with Time Warner Cable. We are joined by one of the leading voices on Capitol Hill challenging media consolidation, Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota.
TRANSCRIPT
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
AARON MATÉ: We begin with major developments that could shape the nation’s media landscape for years to come. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission advanced a proposal that critics say threatens net neutrality, the concept of a free and open Internet. The new rules could allow Internet "fast lanes" where companies pay providers for faster access to consumers. That sparked a wave of protest from opponents, who say the rules hand too much power to the major companies who can afford to shell out, consolidating their control at the expense of smaller competitors and consumers’ monthly bills.
Similar concerns have been raised about a merger deal struck over the weekend. The telecom giant AT&T has agreed to buy satellite television operator DirecTV in a nearly $50 billion deal. The move comes just months after Comcast announced plans to merge with Time Warner Cable.
AMY GOODMAN: We turn now to one of the leading voices on Capitol Hill challenging media consolidation: Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota. He serves on the Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Franken joins us now from Capitol Hill.
Welcome to Democracy Now!, Senator Franken.
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