Chris Dodd for President

Senator Chris Dodd today issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the News Corporation will form a five person committee to ensure the independence of the Wall Street Journal:

"The very fact that the News Corporation felt the need to form this committee exposes the company's gross misunderstanding of journalism - it should be a given that the Wall Street Journal's reporting will not be affected by its parent company. This announcement adds to my concern that there are deep-rooted problems with this acquisition, and that at some point the Journal and its readers may be subjected to biased reporting as a result. That is why today I am writing a letter to the FCC expressing concerns about this proposed merger and asking what the effects on consumers and the public good will be as a result of these types of media consolidation. I would also urge the Department of Justice Antitrust Division to carefully review this merger when it comes before the agency."

Yesterday Dodd expressed concern that the News Corp takeover of the Wall Street Journal would influence the paper's ability to provide "fair and balanced reporting."

Greg Sargent of Talking Points Memo weighs in on Senator Dodd's statement (the first of Dem. candidates) on the News Corp takeover of the Wall Street Journal (link)

A statement released moments ago from Senator Dodd:

"I am deeply troubled by the incredible amount of consolidation occurring across the American media landscape. The power of the media is swiftly being limited to a few controlling hands, which poses a serious threat to our democracy. The foundation of our democracy rests in our ability to hear from a diverse array of sources so that we can make informed decisions. The Wall Street Journal has provided a valuable and important news choice to the American public for years.

"With News Corp's purchase of the newspaper, I am concerned that it will be very difficult for the Journal to offer fair and balanced reporting under the pressures of a giant-media conglomerate."