[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 209 (Thursday, December 10, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO MEDIA DIVERSITY

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                               speech of

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2020

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to 
express my support of House Resolution 549, which I introduced along 
with my colleague, Congresswoman Val Demings, and is led in the Senate 
also in a bipartisan way by Senators Jacky Rosen and Marco Rubio.
  As the first woman to represent Puerto Rico in Congress, I take great 
pride in being a part of this initiative that seeks to eliminate 
barriers that prevent media diversity. I strongly believe that it is 
our responsibility to pay it forward, and work to ensure that 
minorities are represented in every sector of society whether it is in 
elected office, in businesses, in the military or in the media.
  This resolution is simple, Mr. Speaker. It sends a strong message 
that we in Congress are united in this effort to encourage media 
diversity that will benefit Americans from all backgrounds and walks of 
life stay informed and civically engaged.
  Whether through traditional outlets such as television, radio or 
newspaper, or through new technologies and digital platforms, media 
plays a critical role in our daily lives, influencing our perspective 
on almost every issue. By having access to independent, diverse, and 
local media contributors, our communities can be exposed to different 
viewpoints providing them opportunities to contribute to the crucial 
debates facing our country.
  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, our nation is diversifying at a 
faster ratio than it was ever projected. Over the last decade, nearly 4 
of 10 Americans identified with a race or ethnic group other than 
white. Yet, this is not proportionally reflected in media and 
communication occupations.
  Fifty years ago, the Kerner Commission Report called for increased 
media diversity, citing that limited participation of diverse 
populations in media decision-making had negative economic and social 
cost for our society. And although some progress has been made, we can 
and we must do better.
  Our nation is strengthened by diverse points of view, diverse 
talents, and a workforce that truly reflects our country's identity. We 
cannot wait fifty more years, we need to start now and promote an 
inclusive workforce, welcoming those who aspire to become journalists, 
correspondents, creators, directors, producers, programmers, 
distributors, behind the camera and on-air personalities.
  This resolution empowers us with the ability to create a strategy, 
build coalitions, and work to remove the barriers to increase 
participation in this growing industry. We must also promote diversity 
so that more members of our communities can relate.
  We have an opportunity here in Congress to lead the way, demonstrate 
our commitment to the American people that diverse representation in 
all aspects of American life are critical to a healthy, prosperous 
democracy.
  Diversity is what makes this country rich. Our nation is comprised of 
people who represent a plethora of thoughts, heritage and upbringing 
that is not always represented in the media, making some of these 
groups invisible to others.
  Media should be a reflection of the society they serve. Learning 
about other experiences, listening to different opinions, and getting 
to know other's backgrounds strengthens our nation and leads to 
inclusion.

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