U.S. PIRG: Lack of Competition Hurts Cable and Broadband Internet Consumers

8/12/2003

From: Jen Mueller or Ed Mierzwinski of U.S. PIRG, 202-546-9707

News Advisory:

-- Lack of Competition Hurts Cable and Broadband Internet Consumers; New Report to Document Monopolistic Practices and Price Gouging by Cable Industry

WHAT: U.S. PIRG will release a new report documenting the failure of cable deregulation and the need to protect broadband Internet consumers from the threat of cable monopoly. Leading consumer advocates will call on Congress to encourage competition and protect consumers.

U.S. PIRG will be joined by leading public interest experts on cable and media issues to discuss broadband internet and media concentration and make policy recommendations.

WHO:

Jay Halfon, PIRG, report author

Ed Mierzwinski, U.S. PIRG Consumer Program Director

Andy Schwartzman, Media Access Project President

Mark Cooper, Consumer Federation of America Research Director

Jeff Chester, Center for Digital Democracy Director

A representative of Consumers Union

WHEN: August 12 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: National Press Club, First Amendment Lounge

529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20045