Despite an extensive debate on the topic of media concentration at the FCC, on Capitol Hill and beyond, there remains a notable absence of any consensus not only on the appropriate policy solutions, but even on the basic facts. How concentrated is each sector of the media and what are the trends? How do deals such as the proposed Comcast bid for Disney affect the trend? How would government agencies tasked with monitoring media concentration know when and if a danger point is reached? And what alternative policy approaches may need to be considered?

During the symposium, CITI’s Director, Prof. Eli M. Noam, will present the results from his study of media concentration in 95 information sector industries. Dr. Mark Cooper of the Consumer Federation of America will also be presenting the results of his media ownership measurement.

Other leading figures and experts from the media and communications business, academia and the financial community are scheduled to participate in the symposium, including Ben Compaine, author of “Who Owns the Media?,” Jonathan Levy, Deputy Chief Economist at the Federal Communications Commission (invited), Thomas Rogers, Chairman of Trget Media LLC and former CEO of Primedia Corp., Rick Blume, CEO of documentary cable network Chronicle DTV, Dr. Thomas Hazlett of the Manhattan Institute, Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy, David Honig of the Minority Media & Telecommunications Council, and James Gattuso of the Heritage Foundation, among others. Howard B. Homonoff, President of Homonoff Media Group LLC and an experienced media industry executive, will moderate the symposium.

Additional details, including speakers and symposium location, will be posted on CITI’s website: http://www.citi.columbia.edu

Registration is required. Please register at http://www.ersvp.com/reply/event11064 at $75 per person. CITI affiliates, non-profits, students and academics should contact Ben Bloom at bb2125@columbia.edu or at 212-854-4222 to determine eligibility for discounted registration fees.