FCC Chairman Wheeler Engages Public Directly in Policy Dialog

You can't discuss the digital divide and access to broadband without also addressing the lack of access to media: TV, radio, print. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler took a bold step and visited Oakland, CA to engage citizens directly in a conversation about media access. But what resulting action should communities on the wrong side of this digital divide expect?  

Three of the public advocates who organized Oakland's town hall meeting (hosted by Voices for Internet Freedom) analyze Chairman Wheeler's comments as well as his recent policy statements to help listeners understand:

• what actual impact can we expect Chairman Wheeler to have on the public advocacy issues these organizations care about;
• why better broadband and greater media access go hand in hand;
• how do we enable people on the margins of society to use these technologies and resources effectively once they do get access;
• is it really possible for average citizens to compete with high-priced lobbyists and influence meaningful FCC public policy.

Center for Media Justice Ex. Director Malkia Cyril, Free Press Associate Policy Director Chancellar Williams and Free Press Sr. External Affairs Director Joseph Torres join us to offer their "in the trenches" experiences and insights. Each has spent many years in public advocacy.