FCC Chairman Copps to Receive TNG-CWA Freedom Award

Michael J. Copps, acting chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, will receive the Herbert Block Freedom Award from The Newspaper Guild-CWA for his work to force debate and transparency over media consolidation.

As giant media companies pushed for FCC rule changes to let them get even bigger, Copps called for public hearings across the country that gave the voices of communities, public interest groups and individuals an opportunity to be heard.

"While others tried to limit hearings and move quickly, Commissioner Copps made certain all voices were heard," said TNG-CWA President Bernie Lunzer. "He has set some of the highest standards for democracy in government today, and in doing so, has helped maintain a free and competitive press."

The Freedom Award is named for the late Washington Post editorial cartoonist best known as Herblock, who was a Guild member for 67 years. It will be presented at the TNG-CWA conference in Washington, D.C., along with the Broun awards and other awards that honor professional and student journalists. Ed Schultz, host of MSNBC's The Ed Show, will speak about why quality journalism is critical today to correct injustices.