    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 15, 1991]
    [Pages 372-373]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 372]]

    Remarks to the National Association of Broadcasters Convention
    April 15, 1991

        The President. Thank you, Eddie, and Lowry. And it's great to join
    America's broadcasters in Las Vegas, if only through the wizardry of
    satellite communications.
        In the last few months, all of America and, indeed, most of the
    world saw the events of the Persian Gulf unfold through the miracle of
    satellite communications. And they saw it unfold in a uniquely American
    way. Not only did you cover the military and political aspects of the
    war, but you did much more. In every ADI [area of dominant influence]
    across the country, broadcasters did their part to support the brave men
    and women of our Armed Forces. Community by community, broadcasters
    organized blood drives, provided critical support for the family members
    left behind, sent thousands of radios to our troops overseas, and were
    the first to bring home news about local service men and women.
        Now that the war is over, we must return to and, in fact, redouble
    our service to the community in the more traditional way of the local
    broadcaster. In this regard, it is fitting that today marks the kickoff
    of a Points of Light National Celebration of Community Service, honoring
    those who are engaged in direct and consequential service focused on
    serious social problems here at home. This unprecedented 12-day
    celebration will challenge every American to reach out and serve another
    in need in 1991.
        During the Gulf war, broadcasters demonstrated the unique ability to
    help people see how each of us can make a difference. As your convention
    theme for 1991 is ``Always There,'' I hope that you will find a way to
    shine your powerful spotlight on those whose selfless acts of community
    service, if multiplied manyfold, would transform the Nation.
        The Nation needs, from all broadcasters, the kind of service that
    many of you are already giving your communities. Some of you have
    education initiatives that inspire community and parental involvement in
    education and provide your own employees with tutoring opportunities.
    Others have outstanding health campaigns that educate the public about
    the prenatal care necessary to have a healthy baby, while many of your
    employees have become mentors to young mothers, teaching them necessary
    nutrition habits and parenting skills. And many of you have focused on
    housing, helping your community renovate or build homes for families
    without a place to live. Across the country, your stations are lighting
    up America.
        I understand that today you're honoring someone who is very special.
    I'm taking about ABC's Tom Murphy. Tom: Barbara and I can't thank you
    enough for all you've done to promote literacy across America. Your
    efforts have helped countless Americans find new meaning in their lives
    by the simple but powerful act of reading. Congratulations on an award
    that's well deserved.
        And I also understand that you'll be hearing shortly from Al Sikes,
    the Chairman of the FCC. Al has a long history in broadcasting, starting
    with his own radio station in Missouri.
        And in closing, let me again say that I'm delighted to be with the
    broadcasters. But Eddie, Lowry, it wouldn't feel like I was talking with
    broadcasters if I didn't take a couple of questions. So, fire away.

    Free Media

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. As you know, broadcasting is the only
    free media available to everyone in the United States. There are some
    today who question the future of free radio and television, and I'd like
    to ask you what your thoughts are about the future of free, over-the-air
    broadcasting.
        The President. That's what we call a ``slow ball'' in the trade. I
    am pleased that Americans are able to enjoy the benefits of the world's
    most dynamic and competitive telecommunications industry. Furthermore,
    I'm convinced that free broadcasting is a cor-

    [[Page 373]]

    nerstone of our democracy.
        You know, last year when Vaclav Havel, the President of
    Czechoslovakia, came to the White House, he told me that he and others
    used to listen to Radio Free Europe and the Voice of America. And
    President Havel credited those broadcasts with helping to launch the
    Velvet Revolution and turn a totalitarian society into a democratic one.
    It's clear, then, that a free and accessible media strengthens and helps
    to build democracy.
        Closer to home, I think that broadcasters help unite our
    communities. The future of broadcasting lies in your ability to remain
    close to your communities. So, I'm for it.

    Domestic Agenda
        Q. Mr. President, one more question. With the great victory of our
    troops in the Persian Gulf, much interest is focused on international
    affairs. Tell us about your domestic priorities for the near future.
        The President. Well, our number one priority is, and will remain,
    restoring strong economic growth because economic growth creates jobs
    and opportunities for all Americans. One key to long-term prosperity is
    an educated, innovative work force. I saluted Tom a minute ago for his
    interest in promoting literacy, a part of education.
        Later this week we're unveiling a strategy to improve America's
    education system. Now, let me list a few other key domestic proposals.
    Our national energy strategy will help make us a more self-reliant
    country. We have a strong anticrime package that's going to help us free
    our streets. And I need the support in the Congress. It will help in the
    antidrug fight as well.
        We have a financial reform plan. And that's going to be of great
    benefit to our economy. We've got to modernize our banking system,
    reform the regulatory system. We have a package of housing and education
    proposals that will expand choice and opportunity for individuals. We
    are for homeownership and tenant management. Families and communities
    are going to benefit from this. And then, our proposal to turn back many
    programs to the States, where people can best apply the money to their
    own most pressing needs. You know, we hear over and over from the
    Governors, again: Do not send out more mandated programs to the States.
    Let us use our initiative at the local level, at the State level, at the
    community level. And we're for that.
        As local broadcasters, you know better than most that this nation's
    domestic challenges can't be solved by government initiatives and
    legislation alone. The reason I spend as much of my time on Points of
    Light is to make it clear that every American has a role to play in
    solving these serious domestic problems. It's not a copout. We're not
    trying to shift away from our responsibility, but in the hands of the
    individual is where the power is to make something happen.
        So, whether it's educating our children or housing the homeless,
    feeding the hungry, or caring for the sick and elderly, these problems
    will never be solved without community action. So, please keep up the
    important work.
        Well, hey, look, thank you for including me in your convention. And
    with Eddie and Lowry running the show, I'm sure that you'll get an awful
    lot accomplished. So, thanks again. And God bless you all.

                        Note: The President spoke at 3:14 p.m. from Room 459
                            of the Old Executive Office Building, and his
                            remarks were broadcast via satellite to the
                            convention, which was held in Las Vegas, NV. In
                            his remarks, he referred to Edward Fritts,
                            president and chief executive officer of the
                            National Association of Broadcasters; L. Lowry
                            Mays, chairman of the board of the association;
                            Tom Murphy, chairman of Capital Cities-ABC;
                            Alfred C. Sikes, Chairman of the Federal
                            Communications Commission; and President Vaclav
                            Havel of Czechoslovakia.