September 4, 1997

Chairman Charles Canady
House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution
H2-362 Ford House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Charles:

Mr. Richard Lewis, a constituent from Kentucky's Third District, has grave concerns about foreign ownership of media.

He raises the issue that while the media has brought campaign finance reform to the forefront of public awareness, such proposals limit the ability of law-abiding citizens to get out a message. Meanwhile, two of the seven largest newspaper companies in the United States are owned by foreign investors. The ability of these foreign owners to influence elections through editorial pages will be strengthened by increased limits on campaign finance.

I would appreciate any consideration you as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee could give to hs concerns, particularly as they would relate to campaign finance concern.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Ann M. Northup

Member of Congress