Fighting the Bell Bias in ISP News

Reader points to the need for ISPs to reach out to local news outlets.

[Response to Underdogs Unite from October 11, 2001.]

[October 16, 2001]

Dear Editors:

One power the RBOC/ILEC bunch has is access to local news outlets, and the familiarity of local news (print, radio, and TV) outlet staffs with their companies and the ad revenues their companies produce.

An ISP-Planet article pointing out the usefulness of contacts by the ISPs with local media, especially those with whom they place advertising, might be useful.

The reporters and editors at these local media outlets need to have a much better understanding of the issues involved. Their ignorance makes them unwitting shills for the ILECs, which can have a real impact on members of Congress in the area. (Jerry Moran of Kansas has been pretty balanced so far, but the local media seems terribly Bell centric.)

Perhaps a news kit, prepared for use by ISP's in bringing their local media folks up to speed, could be developed. INT Media group could help with this. AAISP, USIAA, TISPA, CISPA might all be interested in supporting the development of such a kit.

Jim Pivonka
La Crosse, KS

We in rural areas need effective ways of getting broadband access.

[ed. reply: We'll start by publishing your letter! You do not need us. Many organizations, including those mentioned above, have press kits and would love you to contact local media for them. For more information on each organization, check out their website and use the directory below.]