[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.