wfn.org | UCC/OC,

[powellb@ucc.org]

Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, Inc. (OC, Inc.)
In Washington, D.C., contact:
Gloria Tristani
(202) 263-2586
tristang@ucc.org

In Cleveland, contact:
Barb Powell
(216) 736-2175
powellb@ucc.org

<http://www.ucc.org/ocinc>

For immediate release
Jan. 21, 2005

Former FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani urges President Bush
to appoint FCC chairman that will represent U.S. people

WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Former FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani today (Jan.
21)
issued the following statement regarding the announcement that FCC Chairman
Michael Powell will step down in March.

     Statement of Gloria Tristani Urging President Bush to Appoint an
    FCC Chairman who will represent the Interest of the American People
     "With Michael Powell's impending departure as Chairman of the Federal
Communications Commission, we urge President Bush to appoint an FCC
Chairman that will represent the best interests of the American people.  An
FCC Chairman should be a staunch advocate for the public interest, ensuring
that all Americans are served by a vibrant and diverse media.  The leader
of the FCC should promote a media that reflects the rich cultural diversity
of our country.

     "An FCC Chairman also must ensure that the media and
telecommunications companies are accountable for their public interest
obligations and that they provide affordable access so all Americans reap
the benefits of evolving technologies."

Tristani currently is managing director of the Office of Communication
of
the United Church of Christ, Inc. (OC, Inc.). The Office of Communication
of the United Church of Christ, Inc. (OC, Inc.) was established in 1959.
Throughout its history, OC, Inc. has advocated for persons historically
excluded from the media, especially women and people of color; petitioned
the FCC to issue EEO rules; sought to guarantee educational and
informational children's programming; defended the Equal Time Rule for
political candidates; supported efforts to establish low-power FM radio;
protected affordable access to emerging technologies; and urged
strengthening of basic corporate character requirements for those who
transmit images and data.

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