By: E&P Staff In a joint declaration Monday, the presidents of the nation's two largest associations of minority journalists called on Congress to preserve the so-called "network neutrality" of the Internet, to preserve the diversity of voice on the Web and its role in advancing minority-owned media.
"The Internet is a great equalizer, providing an opportunity for the average citizen or small business, including media companies owned by blacks, Hispanics and other persons of color, to compete in the marketplace of ideas," read in part the joint statement by Rafael Olmeda, president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and Bryan Monroe, president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Olmeda is an assistant city editor for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Ft. Lauderdale. Monroe is vice president and editorial director for Ebony and Jet magazines.
"As presidents of associations representing thousands of journalists across the United States, we are concerned about issues threatening the First Amendment as well as attacks against a free and open press," the joint statement said. "We are troubled by efforts to control the flow of content over the Internet -- to deny the public's ability to receive news and information from a diversity of viewpoints by throttling back the speed of certain Web sites while accelerating others."
Under proposed legislation favored by some telecom companies such as Comcast and Verizon, Internet carriers could charge variable fees for Web access, charging sites more to allow users to connect at faster speeds.
"If Congress does not support Network Neutrality, the results will be devastating for free speech, for our society and for consumers," the association presidents said. "The Internet's promise as the people's communications medium will be jeopardized. The level playing field will be destroyed in the name of greed. This will reduce competition and the diversity of viewpoints that the public now enjoys."
Olmeda and Monroe said the proposal to "slow down the Internet for those who can't -- or won't -- pony up big bucks will be especially harmful to our communities," who, they added, have been historically marginalized by mainstream media.
They noted that the Internet was built by the U.S. Department of Defense, and that telecom companies are effectively subsidized when local communities allow them to lay lines on public rights of way.
"The foundation of the Internet has been bought and paid for by the citizens of this country," they wrote. "Its access should not be auctioned off to the highest bidder."
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