AFTRA Vows to Continue Fighting Consolidation

AFTRA delegates representing broadcasters, actors and sound recording artists gathered at a convention in Nashville this week reaffirmed their opposition to media consolidation and voted to allocate resources to the effort.

AFTRA National President John Connolly, said, "We certainly made progress after June 2, when it started to dawn on members of Congress exactly what had happened and what the consequences to localism and diversity could be."

Convention members unanimously endorsed a resolution urging Congress to "pass legislation that restores meaningful media ownership limits and encourages independent and diverse production so as to protect localism and diversity, as well as innovation in all American media."

While FCC Chair Michael Powell asserts he has heard the public concerns about media consolidation "loud and clear" and is taking steps to "boost local programming on radio and television," AFTRA remains skeptical.