NHMC Applauds San Francisco Supervisors for Taking a Stand Against Hate Speech in Media

By Unanimous vote, San Francisco Supervisors take stand against Hate Media

The Hispanic / Latino Anti-Defamation Coalition SF joins the National Hispanic Media Coalition in applauding the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for standing up to Hate Media, by unanimously approving a resolution urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media; and

urging the NTIA to update it's 1993 report on the Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes.

To view the resolution
www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/bdsupvrs/bosagendas/materials/090995.pdf

Thanks and congratulations to Media Alliance and Public Interest Pictures (BroadcastBlues.tv) for their tremendous energy and support on this effort.

Aurora Grajeda

Hispanic / Latino Anti-Defamation Coaliton SF

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From the National Hispanic Media Coalition:

I’m happy to share with you today’s press release (below) on a resolution that was approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously. This is hopefully the first of many throughout the country. We encourage all of you to consider promoting a similar resolution to your local elected bodies.

I want to remind you that we need your help and support to get the word out regarding the campaign against hate speech in media.

- Send an email blast to your members about our campaign (we can provide)

- Call your elected officials and asking for their support for this project

- Distribute postcards at events and have them signed (attached)

- Join us on Facebook and encouraging your members to join: http://tinyurl.com/lzg6c5

- Schedule a talk or other public event to talk about hate speech and what it is doing to the fabric of our communities.

- We need to gather organizational and community leadership support throughout the country. Forward this email to your allies. Hate speech in media is targeted to many groups and hence we are looking for a broad and diverse group of supporters.

...please let us know how you can help!

We have seen the anger and hatred that the proliferation of misinformation about health care reform has caused in recent weeks. As President Obama sets out to reform immigration in 2010, let us build media literacy and awareness before Latinos and other immigrants are once again at the forefront of media attacks.

We appreciate your support.

Inez Gonzalez

Vice President, Media Policy

National Hispanic Media Coalition

www.nhmc.org

NHMC Applauds San Francisco Supervisors for Taking a Stand Against Hate Speech in Media

PRESS RELEASE

August 11, 2009

For Immediate Release

NHMC Applauds San Francisco Supervisors for Taking a Stand Against Hate Speech in Media

Supervisors respond to community groups' request to take action against hate speech in media

Washington, D.C. - Today the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved unanimously a resolution urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in media, allowing public participation via public hearings, and for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to update its 1993 report the "Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes."

The Supervisors responded to grassroots activists in the Bay Area who have organized to call attention to the alarming increase of patently false and hateful language in media. For the last three years, the Hispanic / Latino Anti-Defamation Coalition SF has organized annual protests held at Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel was selected as the protest site due to the Corporation's record of promoting some of the most virulent purveyors of hate and intolerance, including Michael Savage and Glenn Beck, who denigrate communities, groups and individuals.

"Hate Speech in media is not only targeted to the Latino community but also to other communities of color, women, the disabled and Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual and Transgender people. It is a cancer in our society and it needs to be addressed. Government needs to recognize, not ignore, the plight of the people. Today, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is the first elected body to take a stand against hate speech in media. We are hopeful that more courageous elected leaders will also take a stand," said Inez Gonzalez, NHMC V.P., Media Policy.

The San Francico resolution was introduced by Supervisor David Campos and co-sponsored by Supervisors John Avalos, David Chiu, Chris Daly, Bevan Duffy, Eric Mar, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi. The resolution in part states "An investigation on hate speech in the media has the potential of serving the highest interest of free speech." Full information on the resolution may be found at www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/bdsupvrs/bosagendas/materials/090995.pdf

The City and County of San Francisco prides itself in celebrating diversity in principle, values and practice; the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco, reflects these principles, values and practices.

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PRESS CONFERENCE: "Presenting SF Supervisors' Resolution urging the FCC and NTIA for inquire on Hate Speech in Media"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 10, 2009

San Francisco Board of Supervisors resolution urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and community groups are holding a press conference on Tuesday, August 11th, at 12 noon at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, in San Francisco, on the Polk Street side steps. They will present a resolution sponsored by Supervisor David Campos and co-sponsored by Supervisors John Avalos, David Chiu, Chris Daly, Bevan Duffy, Eric Mar, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi, "urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media, allowing public participation via public hearings, and asking the NTIA to update it's 1993 report on the Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes."

"An investigation on hate speech in the media has the potential of serving the highest interest of free speech, the First Amendment and the security of individuals and groups in their persons and in their living environments. A recent study from Leadership Conference on Civil Rights shows a correlation between hate radio and hate crimes - concerned organizations and individuals have seen how the volume and virulence in the rhetoric in the most virulent Shock Jocks, such as local host Michael Savage, continues to raise.

Full information on the resolution may be found at http://www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/bdsupvrs/bosagendas/materials/090995.pdf "

Meeting starts at 2 PM, the resolution will be discussed at the Board of Supervisors meeting in the Legislative Chamber, Room 250, the resolution is item # 39, public comment is invited.

The City and County of San Francisco prides itself in celebrating diversity in principle, values and practice; the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco, reflects these principles, values and practices.

HATE SPEECH IS NOT RESPONSIBLE SPEECH

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SF Board of Supervisors' Resolution urging the FCC and NTIA for inquire on Hate Speech in Media

The Hispanic / Latino Anti-Defamation Coalition SF, gratefully lauds the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for their Action on behalf of the actual and the potential victims of hate speech and hate crimes. On the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting of August 4, 2009, a Resolution was introduced to be placed on the August 11, 2009 Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting Agenda for discussion and a vote "urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media, allowing public participation via public hearings, and to update the 1993 report on the Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes." It was introduced by Supervisor David Campos and co-sponsored by Supervisors: John Avalos, David Chiu, Chris daly, Bevan Duffy, Eric Mar, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi. For those of us concerned with the raise of hate speech in the media and the ever increase on hate crimes reported, it is very important to attend the August 11 meeting to offer support and commentary. In the event that you'd want to send them a note with your thoughts, the contact information is included below.
David Campos District 9 (415) 554-5144 - voice (415) 554-6255 - fax David.Campos@sfgov.org	John Avalos District 11 (415) 554-6975 - Voice (415) 554-6979 - Fax John.Avalos@sfgov.org	David Chiu - Board President District 3 (415) 554-7450 - Voice (415) 554-7454 - Fax David.Chiu@sfgov.org	Chris Daly District 6 (415) 554-7970 - Voice (415) 554-7974 - Fax Chris.Daly@sfgov.org
Bevan Dufty District 8 (415) 554-6968 - Voice (415) 554-6909 - Fax Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org	Eric Mar District 1 (415) 554-7410 - Voice (415) 554-7415 - Fax Eric.L.Mar@sfgov.org	Sophie Maxwell District 10 (415) 554-7670 - Voice (415) 554-7674 - Fax Sophie.Maxwell@sfgov. org	Ross Mirkarimi District 5 (415) 554-7630 - Voice (415) 554-7634 - Fax Ross.Mirkarimi@sfgov.org
TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION INTRODUCED FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' AUGUST 11, 2009 AGENDA [Urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media and to update the 1993 report on the Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes] Resolution urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media, allowing public participation via public hearings, and to update the 1993 report on the Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes WHEREAS, Hate speech has been defined as bigoted speech attacking or disparaging a social or ethnic group or a member of such a group (American Heritage Dictionary), and hate speech is intended to offend a person of a particular group or group of people based on a group identity; and WHEREAS, Hate speech takes various forms, from words advocating violence to those creating a climate of hate towards vulnerable groups; and WHEREAS, Hate speech creates an environment of hate and prejudice that legitimizes violence against those individuals and groups targeted by hate speech; and WHEREAS, Hate speech contributes to and may result in physical violence, and emotional and psychological distress to those targeted by hate speech;and WHEREAS, Many groups have suffered harm at the hands of hate speech, including without limitation: African Americas, Latinos, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Women, Lesbians, Gays, Transgender people, and people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, Hate speech against vulnerable groups exists in our media and is not limited to a few isolated instances or any one media platform; and WHEREAS, Hate speech is often aired on large mainstream media corporations including national cable news networks, television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, and on the internet; and WHEREAS, The media has the power to influence people's behavior and perceptions and according to the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), a correlation exist between an increase in hate speech in the media and an increase of hate crimes committed against vulnerable groups; and WHEREAS, According to the National Latino Policy & Issues Brief (by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center), the October 2008 Federal Bureau of Investigation's annual hate crime statistics reported that of the 8999 single-bias hate crime offenses in 2007, two-thirds (66.5 percent) were motivated by race and ethnicity/national-origin biases, a number that has remained constant since 2003, with anti-African-America bias accounting for more than half of offenses motivated by race and ethnicity/national-origin, the largest share of total offenses (36.4 percent); and WHEREAS, According to several reports (the National Latino Policy & Issues Brief by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center and the National Hispanic Media Coalition, a change in offenses motivated by ethnicity/national-origin bias on anti-Hispanic bias has risen steadily, from 42.8 percent in 2003 to 61.7 percent in 2007 (FBI 2008), largely linked to the media negative coverage of Latinos and immigration debate; and WHEREAS, According to the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), and increase of hate speech in the media targeting Latinos has led to an increase of hate crimes against Latinos; and WHEREAS, An investigation on hate speech in the media has the potential of serving the highest interest of free speech and the First Amendment; and WHEREAS, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a long history of examining how licensees use their public trust to serve the most vulnerable segments of society, and some of these lengthy studies have included looking at the impact on children of certain advertising practices, the impact of violent programming on children, and the link between advertising and childhood obesity; and WHEREAS, Past inquiries, studies and explorations have been done in a manner that is constant with our tradition of free speech and conducting an investigation on hate speech in the media actually has the potential of serving the highest interest of free speech and First Amendment protection; and WHEREAS, In 1992 Congress directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to examine The Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes; and WHEREAS, No updates to The Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes report in 1993 has been made; and WHEREAS, Given the evolution and growth of telecommunication since the 1990's, we are in dire need of an update to this 1993 report; and WHEREAS, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates airwaves in the United States, but in order to make necessary determination regarding allocation, the FCC turns to the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA), which has served as the President's principal advisor on telecommunication policies since 1978; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco urges the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation on hate speech in the media, and to update the 1993 report on the The Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes ; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the investigation on hate speech should be conducted in a transparent manner, including public participation via public hearing; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco urges the FCC's investigation to include the inquiry into the extent and nature of hate speech in the media, the examination of the effects and impact of hate speech, and the relationship between hate speech in the media and hate crimes; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of the City and County of San Francisco urges the FCC to also explore options for counteracting or reducing the negative effects of hate speech in the media.