The Federal Communications Commission held a hearing on media localism in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Wednesday night.

FCC officials heard from several tribal and Indian representatives, The Rapid City Journal reported. Harvey White Woman of the Oglala Sioux Tribe objected when he was told to limit a tribal statement to two minutes. When he complained that state and federal officials were given more time to talk, he was allowed to read the entire statement.

Sonny Skyhawk, founder of American Indians in Film and Television, refused to give his statement, citing the time limit. Thomas Short Bull, president of Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Reservation, said the local media rehashed negative stories about Indians.

The hearing was held to address consolidation rules the FCC recently adopted to allow big companies to buy more radio and TV stations. White Woman said tribal sovereignty needs to be respected.

Get the Story:
Local media role discussed (The Rapid City Journal 5/27)

Relevant Links:
Indian Initiatives, FCC - http://www.fcc.gov/indians
The Digital Divide Network - http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org

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