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tr w N- <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII <br /> .h.ei.M' <br /> RESOLUTION NO. ~~'4 f"fi' <br /> <br /> A RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE FEDERAL <br /> COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO ADDRESS PUBLIC INTERESTS AND <br /> COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR LOCAL MEDIA, INCLUDING NEWS, ACCESS, AND <br /> OWNERSHIP <br /> WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Council supports the need to address Hawai`i's unique <br /> telecommunications needs by supporting local broadcast, cable, print, and satellite media, and <br /> future local news and information applications via broadband telecommunications; and <br /> WHEREAS, a vibrant, independent local media ensures diverse programming and public <br /> access to information that reflects local concerns; and <br /> WHEREAS, there has been a shift from local media ownership and control in Hawaii to <br /> large mainland companies; and <br /> WHEREAS, mainland media ownership, such as the recent sale of KHON, leads to a <br /> reduction of local news staff, and has resulted in a decrease of local programs covering local <br /> issues, interests, cultures, and arts and in their replacement with programs lacking a local <br /> connection or outreach; and <br /> WHEREAS, broadband communications technology has the potential to vastly improve <br /> the public's ability to obtain information, communicate, and participate in the democratic <br /> process. Moreover, broadband technology can create further opportunities for local expression. <br /> The U.S. Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and other regulatory <br /> agencies are in the process of making important decisions regarding the deployment of this <br /> technology that will profoundly affect programming via broadcast radio and television, cable, <br /> satellite, print, and the Internet. Congress and the FCC could create a regulatory scheme that <br /> favors large corporate media companies, which would, in turn, deny local communities from the <br /> potential benefits of broadband technology. <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the County of Hawaii <br /> that we urge the United States Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to <br /> address public interests and community needs for local media, including news, access, and <br /> ownership. <br /> <br />