[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H3644-H3646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO MEDIA DIVERSITY
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 277) reaffirming the commitment to media
diversity and pledging to work with media entities and diverse
stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to eliminate barriers
to media diversity.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 277
Whereas the principle that an informed and engaged
electorate is critical to a vibrant democracy is deeply
rooted in our laws of free speech and underpins the virtues
on which we established our Constitution, ``in Order to form
a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic
Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the
general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to
ourselves and our Posterity . . .'';
Whereas having independent, diverse, and local media that
provide exposure to a broad
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range of viewpoints and the ability to contribute to the
political debate is central to sustaining that informed
engagement;
Whereas it is in the public interest to encourage source,
content, and audience diversity on our Nation's shared
telecommunications and media platforms;
Whereas the survival of small, independent, and diverse
media outlets that serve diverse audiences and local media
markets is essential to preserving local culture and building
understanding on important community issues that impact the
daily lives of residents;
Whereas research by the American Society of News Editors,
the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Pew
Research Center, and others has documented the continued
challenges of increasing diversity among all types of media
entities;
Whereas with increasing media experience and
sophistication, it is even more important to have minority
participation in local media to ensure a diverse range of
information sources are available and different ideas and
viewpoints are expressed to strengthen social cohesion among
different communities; and
Whereas the constriction in small, independent, and diverse
media outlets and limited participation of diverse
populations in media ownership and decision making are
combining to negatively impact our goal of increasing local
civic engagement and civic knowledge through increased voter
participation, membership in civic groups, and knowledge of
local political and civil information: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) reaffirms its commitment to diversity as a core tenet
of the public interest standard in media policy; and
(2) pledges to work with media entities and diverse
stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to eliminate
barriers to media diversity.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H. Res. 277.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 277, reaffirming the
commitment to media diversity and pledging to work with media entities
and diverse stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to
eliminate barriers to media diversity.
This resolution promotes much-needed diversity in the communications
marketplace where we continue to see vast inequities. For example, the
owners of broadcast and cable media outlets do not reflect our diverse
population. Owners of these media outlets make critical decisions about
the educational, political, entertainment, and news programming
Americans watch. These decisions can influence people's opinions and
perceptions.
Mr. Speaker, diversity in viewpoints and diverse ownership of media
outlets promotes programming that offers different perspectives and
enables viewers to access programming that is relevant to them. A
diverse media marketplace is also central to an informed and engaged
electorate which is essential to a vibrant democracy.
Committing to a diverse media marketplace--one that reflects our
Nation--is a worthy goal, and this resolution reaffirms that goal.
Today's resolution is a good step forward, but there is much more we
need to do. The numbers and statistics are clear: our media marketplace
does not resemble the people we serve.
I want to commend Representative Demings for her work on this
resolution and for continuing to bring attention to not only the lack
of diversity in our media outlets, but also the impact that it has on
our communities and on our Nation. I hope we can come together to do
the additional work that is needed to improve the state of diversity
today.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution, and
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 277, a resolution
introduced by our colleague, Mrs. Demings.
This resolution reaffirms the commitment by Congress to work with
media entities and diverse stakeholders to find common ground solutions
to eliminate barriers to expanding diversity in our media. While
today's resolution focuses specifically on broadcast stations, this
problem is not unique to one segment of the industry, but to their
cable and digital streaming competitors in the marketplace as well.
I appreciate the many steps that the broadcast and cable industries
have taken to not only recognize these barriers, but the many programs
and initiatives they have put in place to promote opportunities for
women, minorities, and veterans. However, data shows we have some room
for improvement.
While the House is considering this resolution today, it is my hope
that we can work together in a bipartisan manner to address the
inequality that this resolution seeks to address. Republicans on the
Energy and Commerce Committee have put forward solutions to uplift
minority voices and promote media diversity that can breathe life into
this resolution before us today.
Today, we are also considering H.R. 1754, the MEDIA Diversity Act,
sponsored by Mr. Long, which would help us better understand the market
and regulatory barriers for socially disadvantaged individuals to enter
and compete in the marketplace so we can make informed policy
decisions.
We have also worked with advocates and industry alike as we try and
find consensus on legislation to establish the long-sought-after
broadcast incubator program to help increase the number of minority-
owned broadcast stations.
Last Congress, Republicans introduced the Broadcast Diversity in
Leadership Act, which would incentivize large, established broadcasters
to work with aspiring broadcasters to break down barriers to capital
and provide mentorship and experience to new minority entrants to
ensure their longstanding success in serving their local communities.
While the Supreme Court has recently reinstated the Republican-led
pilot program, Congress should continue working to ensure it is
expanded and made permanent with improved safeguards. We urge the
majority to continue working with us on these important issues.
With the passage of this resolution, we are affirming our commitment
to work toward common ground solutions, and Republicans stand ready to
work across the aisle to turn our common ground solutions into law.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings), who is the sponsor of the
resolution.
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for
this opportunity.
We all know the United States is a diverse nation with diverse
people, diverse viewpoints, and diverse perspectives. Every community
in America--no matter their age, gender, ZIP Code, or income--should be
allowed to tell their stories in their voices.
Whether in news, movies, television, music, or more, it is important
that our media represent the wonderful diversity of our great Nation.
This resolution simply states that all Americans should have the
opportunity to tell their story and hear their story told through their
own eyes and voices.
I am glad that our resolution reaffirming Congress' support of media
diversity will be voted on this afternoon. As we work together to
remove barriers, I am grateful to all of the congressional cosponsors
on both sides of the aisle and media representatives who helped move
this bill forward.
Every child in America should hear a voice that sounds like theirs
and see a face that looks like theirs. As we face some of America's
greatest challenges, I am excited about the work still yet to come.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues again on both sides of the
aisle for their support of this resolution.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers.
[[Page H3646]]
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H. Res. 277, I ask the
House for its passage today, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I also urge my colleagues to support this
bipartisan resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 277.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion
are postponed.
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