New grassroots site (www.stopmediaregulation.org) will provide facts and expose the truth behind those in support of more regulation

WASHINGTON – Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) today launched a new website and advertising campaign in support of the recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to expand the limits of media ownership.

On June 2, 2003, the FCC held its Media Ownership Biennial Review, in which they voted to increase the number of television stations broadcast networks may purchase from 35 percent of audience reach to 45 percent, and to lift the ban on newspapers purchasing television stations in the same city.

ATR\’s new website, located at www.stopmediaregulation.org, will educate the public about the importance of the FCC\’s decision and allow visitors the ability to take action so that the decision is not thwarted by pending congressional legislation.

Some in Congress, including Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.) and Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) want to block the rule change in Congress in favor of restoring obsolete bans and impeding the free market of media ownership through several vehicles, including S. 1046, the Preservation of Localism, Program Diversity, and Competition in Television Broadcast Service Act of 2003 and the FY 2004 Commerce, State, Justice Appropriations bill. Both would reverse all or part of the FCC\’s decision.

"The ownership limits were a bad idea to begin with, but now they\’re also obsolete. In any market, the real power to limit ownership should lie in the hands of consumers. Unfortunately some members of Congress think that Washington knows better than you do how to use that power. I encourage everyone to check out this useful website to learn more and take action on this important issue," said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform.

To help draw traffic to the website, ATR also rolled out a series of national Internet ads. Visitors to the website will find facts on the benefits of media cross ownership and an explanation of the agenda behind those who support efforts to re-regulate mass media. The new site also gives visitors the option to locate and send a message to their senators by typing in their zip code.