Sign Up for FCC Tech and Communications Diversity Opportunity Virtual Fair
on April 28, 2021
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On April 28, 2021, the Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group of the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), the Internet Association, and the FCC’s Media Bureau are co-sponsoring a Tech and Communications Diversity Opportunity Symposium and Virtual Fair that will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:45 pm. ET. Registration for the Virtual Fair closes on April 20th. Appointments for the Virtual Fair will be scheduled on a first-come/first-served basis. MMTC’s Board Chair and Treasurer Ronald Johnson serves as the Chair of the ACDDE Diversity in the Tech Sector Working Group's Supplier Diversity Subgroup. S. Jenell Trigg, a member of MMTC's Board of Advisors, is the Co-Chair for the Tech and Communications Diversity Opportunity Symposium and Virtual Fair Planning Committee.
The Symposium will provide information, resources, and support to diverse communications businesses (DCBs), including those focused on legacy communications industries (e.g., radio, television, telecommunications, cable, and satellite), and those engaged in technology-oriented industries seeking business opportunities as vendors, suppliers, or partners with tech and communications companies or government agencies. DCBs include small businesses, minority- and ethnic-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and disabled-owned businesses. Prior registration is required.
The Virtual Fair will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. It will feature one-on-one confidential consultations during which small and diverse communications business owners will receive individualized advice on supplier and vendor strategies; financial support for small and diverse communications businesses; training, educational or consulting programs/initiatives; discounted or special services and products for DCBs; and mentoring, incubation or apprenticeship programs/initiatives. It is open to DCB owners, managers, and employees. You must REGISTER in advance by April 20th.
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MMTC, ALLvanza, and OCA Host Moving Underserved Community Forward Series:
Equity, Access, and the Digital Divide
on April 13, 2021
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On April 13, 2021, MMTC, ALLvanza, and OCA-APA hosted Moving Underserved Community Forward Series: Equity, Access, and the Digital Divide with FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications & Information Evelyn Remaley. MMTC President Maurita Coley, ALLvanza President Rosa Mendoza, and OCA-APA CEO Ken Lee led the discussion about the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program, NTIA's minority broadband efforts, the homework gap, telehealth, and more.
Watch video recording here.
Read the Wakelet blog featuring social media highlights here.
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MMTC Law and Policy Initiatives |
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MMTC Joins Advocates to Push for
Permanent Broadband Benefit Legislation
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On April 6, 2021, MMTC and a coalition of advocacy organizations sent a letter to Congress urging the adoption of a long-term federally-funded broadband benefit program that the FCC would manage and administer to provide low income individuals with enhanced financial support for broadband long after the pandemic ends. This new program should provide consumers with a higher benefit than the current $9.25 available from Lifeline program. The letter urged the use of simplified, safe, and streamlined payment systems to encourage full participation, with benefits delivered directly to consumers.
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MMTC Vice President Fallon Wilson Speaks at
FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment's
Tech Startup Roundtable on March 24, 2021
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MMTC Vice President Dr. Fallon Wilson, chair of the Startup Diversity Subgroup of the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment s Diversity in Tech Sector Working Group, delivered opening and closing remarks during the Tech Startup Roundtable on March 24, 2021. The roundtable featured Minority, Women, and Small Business (MWS) Tech Entrepreneurship Support Organizations that facilitate entrepreneurship in their local cities. Panelists included:
- Shelly Bell, Founder/CEO, Black Girl Ventures
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Dr. Quincy Brown, Director of Engagement and Research, AnitaB.org Foundation
- Lili Gangas, Chief Technology Community Officer, Kapor Center
- Jerome Hardaway, Founder, Vets Who Code
- Dr. Makada Henry-Nickie, David M. Rubenstein Fellow, Governance Studies, Brookings Institution
- Andrew Lowenthal, Executive Director, Out in Tech
- Alicia Ortega, Co-Director and Co-Founder, Native Women Lead Sabrina Short, Founder and CEO, NOLAvate Black
- Andy Stoll, Senior Program Officer, Entrepreneurship, The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Christopher Wood, LGBT Tech Executive Director, moderated the roundtable.
Watch the video of the roundtable here.
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MMTC Participates in FCC and NTIA's Women of Color
and the Technological Frontier Webinar on March 23, 2021
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On March 23, 2021, Dr. Fallon Wilson, MMTC Vice President, Policy, served as a panelist for the Women of Color and the Technological Frontier webinar. The Office of FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and NTIA’s Minority Broadband Initiative co-hosted the event. The webinar featured women of color thought leaders in broadband research who will discuss how the digital divide impacts marginalized communities. The panelists discussed how research strategies can lead to policy solutions that address existing disparities in broadband access and adoption. The moderator and panelists included:
- Dr. Francine E. Alkisswani, Minority Broadband Initiative, NTIA (moderator)
- Dr. Fallon Wilson, Vice President of Policy, MMTC
- Dr. Traci Morris, Executive Director, American Indian Policy Institute at Arizona State University
- Dr. Blanca Gordo, Visiting Scholar, Institute for the Study of Societal Issues (ISSI) at University of California, Berkeley
During the webinar, Hon. Evelyn Remaley, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications & Information, and Dr. Alisa Valetin, Special Advisor to FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, delivered remarks.
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MMTC Comments on FCC's New Broadband
Subsidy Featured in Morning Consult Article
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MMTC Vice President Dr. Fallon Wilson's comments that discuss how the FCC can work with faith communities, school districts, colleges and universities, as well as grocery store operators and gig economy employers, to reach out to those who qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program were included in a Morning Consult article, "FCC’s New Broadband Subsidy Hits Sweet Spot for Lower-Income People of Color’s Internet Bill Needs."
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MMTC and NABOB Call for Geo-Targeting Pilot Program |
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The Radio World reported on the recommendation MMTC and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) made to the FCC about the creation of a test pilot program before any decision about geo-targeting via FM boosters.
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MMTC Supports FCC Rule About Sponsoring Identification
Requirements for Foreign Government-Provided Programming
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MMTC recently filed an ex parte letter with the FCC tin support of its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket No. 20-299. MMTC agrees with the purpose of this proceeding to ensure that the public is properly informed in the very limited number of cases when broadcast stations air programming sponsored by foreign governments and their agents.
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MMTC Supports FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity
and Digital Empowerment About Asian Hate Violence
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In light of the recent hate violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, MMTC issued a statement in support of the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment's call to end such violence.
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MMTC Discusses Public Interest Tech |
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Learn what Dr. Fallon Wilson, MMTC Vice President, Policy, had to say about public interest tech in recent forums.
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MMTC Chair Emeritus Henry Rivera Keynotes
FCBA TMT Program's Graduation Ceremony on April 27, 2021
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Hon. Henry Rivera, MMTC Chair Emeritus, is the featured keynote speaker for the Federal Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) graduation ceremony for law students who completed the Tech, Media, and Telecom (TMT) Law and Policy Certificate Program on April 27, 2021 . The TMT program provides a comprehensive, yet accessible, introduction to the key principles, statutes, and regulations that are the foundation of the practice and development of TMT law and policy. Program sessions have included administrative law, privacy and cybersecurity, content regulation, intellectual property, broadband, antitrust and technology law.
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MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers News |
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MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers Supports
iHeartMedia's New Radio Station Purchase
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MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers served as iHeartMedia's broker on its purchase of KXYZ, an AM radio station, from the Multicultural Radio. Currently, MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers has multiple AM and FM stations listed for sale, along with LPTV stations from NY to California. Please contact Suzanne Gougherty at sgougherty@mmtconline.org or David Honig at dhonig@mmtconline.org for more information. If you are a new entrant, visit out our website to learn how we can assist you in buying a broadcast outlet here.
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Not all communities' local "breaking" news will reach mainstream news on television or network news. This represents one reason local radio is important. Radio quickly tackles local issues including bad weather, impending snowstorm, local flooding, major freeway accident, highway construction or closures, etc. 2020 Nielsen's audio tells us 69% of weekly radio listening happens primarily in cars and at work.
Go here to read the article, "Perception vs. Reality: Eight Things Brands Have Completely Wrong About Am/FM Radio" to learn more.
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Charlyn Stanberry Joins National Association of Broadcasters |
MMTC alumna Charlyn Stanberry recently accepted a new position as Vice President of Government Relations at the National Association of Broadcasters. Read more here.
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MMTC Talent Bank of Tech, Media, and Telecom Legal and Policy Employment Opportunities
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Calling All Employers: Feature Tech, Media, and Telecom
Legal and Policy Positions in MMTC Newsletter
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In an effort to expand and diversify the pipeline in the tech, media, and telecom industries, MMTC will feature employment, fellowship, and internship opportunities for lawyers, policy professionals, and graduate and undergraduate students in our newsletter. Send emails to media@mmtconline.org.
Career Opportunities
1) The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.'s internship programs prepare college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes that develop national policies and implement them – from Capitol Hill to federal field offices. Participants receive housing, a stipend, office placements, and opportunities to meet and interact with professional legislators and leaders working in all branches of government. Applications are due by April 30th. Go here for more information.
2) Through its partnership with the Entertainment Software Association the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.'s STEAM Fellowship program offers a 12‐month policy training and leadership development program to early‐career policy professionals who are committed to advancing and expanding their knowledge in public policy issues affecting STEAM-related fields (i.e., science, technology, engineering, the arts and math). Apply here by April 30th.
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News from AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon |
AT&T announced it will invest $2 billion over the next three years to help address the digital divide. Learn more about AT&T's Emergency Broadband Benefit here.
Comcast celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program this year. Learn more about the company's commitment to investing $1 billion over the next 10 years to reach 50 million low-income Americans with digital tools and resources here.
Calling all educators! Sign up for Verizon Innovative Learning’s Teacher Training Pathways that support teachers with free professional learning focused on digital skills, remote learning and digital coaching with opportunities to earn Digital Promise micro-credentials. Get more information here.
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Support MMTC's Fellowships
and Fundraising Campaign
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There is an urgent need for a pipeline of workers, students, and professionals to address the lack of diverse representation and thought leadership in the tech, media, and telecom (TMT) industries.
Since opening our doors in 1986, MMTC has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve equal opportunity, civil rights, and social justice in the TMT industries. Our fellowship and internship programs have directly trained more than 100 diverse students and professionals, arming them with the tools and sensitivity to advocate to ensure digital inclusion. In 2019 and 2020 alone, we have trained and mentored 28 students and young professionals for careers in tech, media, and telecom.
With your support, through our Fellowship and Social Justice and Digital Equity Policy Programs, we can increase the pipeline of diverse workers and professionals and greatly improve our impact in addressing how to support our nation’s most vulnerable communities. Our programs cover areas such as essential communications and technology access; employment and upskilling, leadership, ownership; and more.
Go here to learn more about the Fundraising Campaign.
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Support MMTC's Social Justice
and Digital Equity Policy Program
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MMTC seeks your support to officially launch MMTC’s Social Justice and Digital Equity Policy Program (DE Policy Program), a think tank comprised of innovative thought leadership and tech, media, and telecommunications (TMT) advocacy to provide a greater impact on the discussion of how to support our nation’s most vulnerable communities as they face TMT issues such as the digital divide; social justice; essential communications and technology access; employment, leadership, and ownership; and more.
Through this initiative, MMTC would like to fund the development of a think tank of experienced thought leaders in three focus areas in the TMT sectors:
- Technology, Privacy, and Civil Rights
- Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Digital Inclusion
- Media Competition and Multicultural Media Content Diversity
MMTC’s DE Policy Program will provide a forum for innovative thinking, data-driven knowledge dissemination, and consensus-building among those on multiple sides of the major TMT policy issues impacting communities of color.
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MMTC Jumpstart Your Tech Career and Business Guides |
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Social Media Highlights: Learn more about MMTC's work by visiting our March Wakelet blog here.
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Subscribe to MMTC TV: Go here to watch videos of MMTC's Broadband and Social Justice Summits and Access to Capital and Telecom Policy Conferences.
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About MMTC
The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) is a non-partisan, national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity in the tech, media, and telecom industries, and closing the digital divide. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for multicultural advancement in communications. We strongly believe that the breathtaking changes in communications technology and the new global forms of media partnerships must enhance diversity in the 21st century.
About MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers
MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers was founded in 1997 by communications lawyer David Honig. He is also one of the co-founders of our parent organization, the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC).
MMTC Brokers is the nation's only minority owned brokerage firm. Our goal is to open up opportunity for media ownership for all minorities. We have been working in the media brokerage space for more than 23 years and are involved in all aspects of radio, television, towers & telecom. We are widely recognized for our work on behalf of minorities and women to gain ownership. Our commitment to this cause includes every aspect of a transaction, including:
- Business planning
- Coaching new entrants
- Market research
- Assisting with due diligence
- Best practice for negotiation
We pride ourselves as being the conduit that connects the buyer and the seller. Our role is to bring two parties together, and assist each of them to view a potential transactions from a wider perspective. Our goal is to make is sure each party will come to terms to paper a deal and see it through to a successful closing.
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