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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3rd Annual Anti-Hate Speech SF Rally -- Community Groups Ask the FCC to Open Docket on Hate Speech

WHAT: Rally / Demonstraton
WHEN: Saturday August 15, 2009 - 2:00 pm
WHERE: Clear Channel Radio 340 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California (4th St. @ Townsend )

Call for a Halt to Hate Speech in the Media

Community Groups Ask the FCC to Open Docket on Hate Speech and NTIA to Update 1993 report "The Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes".

Alarmed at the documented increase in the amount of patently false and hateful language being broadcast and concerned this is helping to create a climate of hate and prejudice which in turn may foster the commission of hate crimes; a grassroots group of activists in the Bay Area is holding a rally to call attention to this growing national problem, which has a negative impact on the civil rights of frequently-targeted groups like immigrants, the disabled and Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual, Transgender and African American people.

The groups are frustrated that neither of the previous two protests (on 08/15/2007 and 09/23/2008) yielded significant action on the part of the agencies that are charged with regulating the broadcast industry. In the spirit of equality and dignity for all, the Coalition, feels compelled to hold a 3rd annual demonstration against media hate speech.

This year, the Coalition is pleased to be able to support the Petitions of the National Hispanic Media Coalition for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) docket on hate speech and the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) to update the 1993 report "The Role of Telecommunications in Hate Crimes".

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will also be considering a resolution in support of the two petitions to the federal regulatory agencies co-sponsored by Supervisor's Campos, Avalos, David Chiu, Chris daly, Bevan Duffy, Eric Mar, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi.

Clear Channel Communications, the site of the protest, allows some of the most virulent purveyors of hate and intolerance, including Michael Savage and Glenn Beck, to denigrate communities, groups and individuals.

Free speech is an important American value, but so is social responsibility. Shouting "fire" in a crowded theater puts others at risk. See the Coalition's objectives statement for more on responsible and irresponsible media speech.

Bay Area Grassroots Coalition Against Media Hate Speech and Hate Crimes

Spanish version of these documents Comunicado de Prensa, Objetivos, Resolución.
Coalition Objectives

Coalition Resolution