Dear President Trump,
Congratulations on your recent historic presidential victory. Your election marks a profound moment in our nation’s history, a testament to the resilience and strength of American democracy. As you assume this highest office, I extend my sincerest wishes for a term of success, unity, and meaningful progress for all Americans.
In the spirit of civic duty and mindful of the values that have long underpinned our nation’s democratic ideals, I would like to bring to your attention a pressing concern regarding the current state of radio and television communications and the impacts of concentrated media ownership on the public’s access to reliable information. In recent years, the consolidation of media outlets under a small number of individuals and entities has raised serious concerns about the balance and objectivity of information available to the American people. This consolidation often limits the diversity of perspectives, allowing biased narratives to take root, erode public trust, and, in some cases, contribute to psychological and social harm.
Media ownership and accountability are issues particularly close to my heart. My father dedicated over 40 years to the radio industry, running a local radio station, while my mother was a pioneering female disc jockey in the 1950s and became the first woman to host Mr. DJ USA on WSM at the Grand Ole Opry. Both of my parents were deeply committed to ensuring that the information broadcast to the American public was accurate, reliable, and balanced. They understood, as I do, that a well-informed citizenry is essential to a thriving democracy.
To address these issues and foster a more balanced, accountable media landscape, I respectfully suggest the following steps for your administration’s consideration:
- Implement Stricter Ownership Limits: Review and potentially tighten ownership caps for radio and TV stations to prevent excessive media consolidation.
- Enhance Transparency Requirements: Require full disclosure of all ownership interests in media companies, providing the public with insight into the sources of their information.
- Encourage Local Ownership and Content Production: Offer incentives for media companies that prioritize local ownership and deliver content relevant to their communities.
- Establish Content Fairness Standards: Develop standards to ensure fair and balanced reporting, especially on matters of public interest.
- Increase Monitoring of Media Bias and Misinformation: Empower federal agencies to identify and address misleading content that may compromise public trust and well-being.
- Expand Public Access to Diverse Voices: Support policies that enhance media access for independent and nonprofit news sources to broaden the range of perspectives available to the public.
These actions would help restore trust and balance in our media, supporting a diverse range of voices and reliable information for the American people. I am hopeful that your administration will consider these recommendations in service to a united and well-informed nation.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to seeing the positive impact your leadership will bring to the American people.
Sincerely,
Britt Moore