May, 12 2014, 02:37pm EDT
THURSDAY: Hundreds to Protest FCC at D.C. Headquarters to Protect Net Neutrality
Thousands Join Online for May 15 Day of Action
WASHINGTON
On Thursday, May 15, hundreds will rally outside the Federal Communications Commission's headquarters in Washington, D.C., to protest Chairman Wheeler's proposal that has the potential to stop the flow of a free and open Internet. On this same day, thousands of activists, organizations and companies will take action online to save the Internet.
"Chairman Wheeler is feeling the grassroots pressure against his pay-for-prioritization proposal. But he still isn't giving Internet users the Net Neutrality protections they demand," said Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron. "He needs to abandon the flimsy and failed legal approach of his predecessors and reclassify Internet service providers as the common carriers they are. If preventing fast and slow lanes on the Internet is the goal, reclassification is the way forward."
PRE-HEARING:
WHAT: Hundreds will rally outside the FCC building in opposition to Chairman Wheeler's proposal to allow rampant discrimination online; thousands more will join the protest at may15.savetheinternet.com.
WHO: Digital rights activists, organizers, entrepreneurs, artists, educators and students
WHEN: The FCC rally will convene Thurs., May 15, from 9-10:30 a.m. EST. The nationwide protest will continue online throughout the day and will drive calls and emails to the FCC and members of Congress.
WHERE: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C. Online organizing hub at may15.savetheinternet.com.
POST-HEARING:
WHAT: Telephone press conference for immediate feedback from the Net Neutrality movement.
WHO: Spokespeople from the grassroots and business coalition -- including leaders of the groups that have come together to save the Internet.
WHEN: Press call will begin at 1:30 p.m. EST/10:30 a.m. PST, shortly after the FCC's May 15 meeting and press conference adjourn.
For details including a dial-in number and bios of call participants, RSVP to Timothy Karr: tkarr@freepress.net
Free Press was created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. We believe that positive social change, racial justice and meaningful engagement in public life require equitable access to technology, diverse and independent ownership of media platforms, and journalism that holds leaders accountable and tells people what's actually happening in their communities.
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