The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) issued this statement in response to a news report that FCC Chairman Genachowski is leaning toward not reclassifying broadband as a telecommunications service.
“The Writers Guild of America, East is deeply troubled by the report in the May 2 Washington Post suggesting that FCC Chair Julius Genachowski is ‘leaning toward’ a decision not to reclassify broadband as a ‘telecommunications service’ under Title II of the Communications Act. The FCC can and must act decisively to protect the Internet from those who would limit access for commercial or political gain. As the FCC itself has noted, the Internet is likely to become the preeminent method of distributing news, public affairs, and entertainment programs in the future. We would therefore remind the Commission and the White House of President Obama’s pledge to preserve ‘net neutrality’ โ to keep the Internet open as a democratic and uncensored forum equally available to everyone. Despite these rumors that the FCC might choose the path of inaction, we hope the Commission will fulfill its obligations to the American people โ to consumers and content creators alike.”
The Writers Guild of America, East, AFLCIO, is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media, and broadcast news. The WGAE conducts programs, seminars, and events on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers. In addition, it represents writers’ interests on the legislative level. For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit www.wgaeast.org.