Media ‘inaccurately’ portrays minorities: FCC official

Published: March 21, 2008
Author: Krystina Orozco
Philippine News

SAN FRANCISCO — Commissioner Michael J. Copps of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said the challenge facing society is how to pull together to make media truly reflect America’s diversity. “Our nation is ruled by predominantly white, huge conglomerations where only 3 percent of minorities and of women have media ownership in our country,” Copps said at a teleconference hosted by the FCC in conjunction with Mubuhay Alliance on March 13, 2008.

The media, he added, couldn’t at the least, create an accurate depiction of minority contribution to the nation.A study by the FCC showed that there has been a 60 percent decline in media companies owned by African Americans. Unfortunately, Copps could not provide statistical information for the Filipino community, saying the FCC simply did not have enough data.
Copps reflected strong feelings towards mainstream American media.

“This is shameful because the greatest quality in our nation today is our diversity and there is nothing to encourage that,” he said.
Copps cited the offending episode in Desperate Housewives where a character played by actress Teri Hatcher made fun of Philippine medical schools, dismissing them as substandard.“I personally view them with distaste and displeasure; here is another perfect example of the incorrect reflection America portrays its citizens,” said Copps.

Copps noted how mainstream media has the tendency to “inaccurately” portray minorities. His advice is for citizens to “be a part of” society by advocating diversity as a grassroots issues. This could be done, he said, by writing to legislators, sending letters to families to generate awareness about the need to embrace every American regardless of race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

“Bottom line is that we need change. You can be a real force for real positive change,” Copps said. The Federal Communications was established in 1934 as an independent government agency that regulates interstate and international types of communications such as radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.Mabuhay Alliance is a San Diego-based, non-profit organization that seeks to provide its Asian – and Filipino – members with networking opportunities.