July 22, 2002

by NOW Staff

A coalition of women's rights groups recently urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to continue its efforts to promote diversity in the broadcasting industry.

The coalition—National Organization for Women, NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, Feminist Majority Foundation, Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force and the Women's Institute for the Freedom of the Press—commented on the FCC's proposed new EEO rules. The FCC's prior Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules were struck down in 2001 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

In addition, NOW was invited to offer testimony in a hearing held before the FCC commissioners on Monday, June 24. Linda Berg, NOW's political director, spoke on behalf of NOW. Her testimony emphasized the need for EEO regulations in the broadcasting industry.

"Study after study shows that the broadcast and cable industries consistently overlook women and minorities for job opportunities," said NOW Vice-President of Membership Terry O'Neill. "It is essential to have anti-discrimination measures to make sure that women and minorities can enter the broadcast and cable industries and advance to management positions."

In order to improve opportunities for women and minorities in the broadcasting industry, the testimony discussed the importance of broad outreach when advertising new positions. NOW feels that it is also important to include part-time jobs in these requirements, as well as full-time jobs. Finally, NOW requested that any EEO reports the stations were required to provide be made available on the web for easier public access.

Representatives of the coalition have said that they look forward to continuing work with the commission to develop creative solutions to help reverse this alarming trend of exclusion.

Click here to read the comments (in pdf format):
Comments on FCC's Proposed New Rules — April 15, 2002
Reply Comments — May 29, 2002