One reason why corporate media get away with their pro-war, right-wing bias is that they have much less competition. Media consolidation (ownership of more media outlets by fewer companies) creates a situation where TV stations and newspapers don't have to provide balanced and accurate news, because there isn't anywhere else to go.

Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) has an Action Alert on legislation to block even more media consolidation than we have today.

On May 15, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 28, a joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership. The resolution enjoyed wide bi-partisan support and passed by near unanimous voice vote.

The rule would allow cross-ownership of local media outlets; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved it in December 2007, despite a huge public outcry led by the ACLU. The resolution, if it passes in the House, will prevent the rule from taking effect.

The resolution will be taken up in the House soon, as H. J. Res. 79, so please contact your member of Congress and ask them to vote yes to disapprove the rule.

Common Cause has good background information and their own Action Alert.

Common Cause also has a page explaining media ownership rules.

If you would like to follow the issue on an ongoing basis, an excellent resource is StopBigMedia.com.