In 2002 and 2003, the FCC tried to repeal the main rules governing media ownership — which for many communities would result in a single company owning most of that community's media. Chicago activists joined nationwide efforts to block the FCC's rule changes, and succeeded in doing so.

Now the FCC, having lost in Congress, in court, and in public opinion, has spent the past year relaunching its media ownership review with ostensibly greater public involvement. The FCC has even promised to hold six official hearings on the matter in venues across the country, with Chicago being the venue of the fifth such hearings.

Unlike in 2002 and 2003, where the struggle was mainly to inform about the very issue and its importance, efforts to galvanize Chicago have taken hold, thanks to grassroots organizing and media efforts.

Additional Resources: stopbigmedia.com | Chicago Media Action