Testimony of Suzette West on media ownership, presented to the FCC in Seattle, Nov. 30 2006 [transcription]

My name is Suzette West. I am a general partner of Legend Heart Records, a true independent record company. ‘True independent’ means that we have no affiliation or connections to major labels. True independent music is discriminated against by conglomerate radio stations because we are required to have an affiliation and a connection to a major label. This precludes our access to commercial and some non-commercial air play.

This goes against the declared policy of Congress and the Small Business Act which states that government should aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interest of small business concerns in order to preserve free, competitive enterprise. Relaxing media ownership rules goes against the declared policy of Congress and the Small Business Act because doing so reinforces the existing market entry barriers against true independent music. My question to your fellow commissioners: Does this Commission intend to honor the declared policy with Congress as stated in the Small Business Act of 1958? Yes or no?