Federal Communications Commission public hearing examines community information needs

Oct. 3, 2011

On October 3, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission held a public hearing in Phoenix to explore the FCC report “Information Needs of Communities: The Changing Media Landscape in a Broadband Age.” The report describes tremendous innovation in the media landscape and also identifies critical gaps, including a shortage of local news reporting. Additionally, it offers recommendations for government, nonprofit players and entrepreneurs.

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University hosted the hearing in the studios of Eight, Arizona PBS. Eight produced the television component of the event and broadcast the hearing live on Eight World (8.3).

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Commissioner Michael Copps, Chief of FCC Media Bureau William Lake and report author Steve Waldman heard testimony from a panel of media experts on the future of American media. Journalists, academics, businesses, and the public discussed innovating and strengthening news and information-gathering and reporting to meet citizen needs. To read the report, visit fcc.gov/info-needs-communities.

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