Media Reform

Midwest Democracy Network: Media Reform

Television broadcasters have a responsibility to promote democratic participation through ongoing, high-quality coverage of government, public affairs, elections, candidates and issues. Recent studies show, however, that broadcasters are not honoring the public interest obligations they accept in exchange for free use of the airwaves.

The Latest in Media Reform

Network News

August 13 2012 at 09:43 AM

Limitations to online ad spending database

Headline Image

ProPublica has tried out the new government website that features political ad spending data, now required by the FCC after a ruling earlier this year. The website is far from perfect, ProPublica found, as the database is only searchable by…

Read More »

May 04 2012 at 10:43 AM

FCC rules to put TV inspection files online

Headline Image

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a ruling that will require television stations to post their station information online, including the records of how much they charge for ad time, and which political committees buy time. Ciara Torres-Spelliscy writes in…

Read More »


More Network News in Media Reform »

Featured Reports

March 02 2012 at 03:43 PM

State of the States 2012

Headline Image

Stateline.org has released their 2012 State of the States report. The report touches on the issues and stories that will take center stage around the country in state governments this year. Included here are…

Read More »

December 08 2010 at 11:38 AM

Reports showcase disengagement in Illinois and Chicago citizens

Headline Image

Co-sponsored by Midwest Democracy Network partner Citizen Advocacy Center and the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation, two reports released by the National Conference on Citizenship…

Read More »


More Featured Reports in Media Reform »