Who we are:

Media Access Project is a non-profit, public interest law firm and advocacy organization working in communications policy. For over 38 years, MAP has promoted the public interest before the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Courts, fighting for an open and diverse communications system that protects freedom of expression, promotes universal and equitable access to media outlets and telecommunications services, and encourages vibrant public discourse on critical issues facing our society.

What we do:

MAP provides critical policy leadership and council to the public interest and media reform community.

MAP occupies a unique role as a Washington thought leader in communications and technology policy.  From leading efforts to convince the FCC to create the Low Power FM radio service to being among the first to advocate for open access and network neutrality.

MAP fights to ensure the public’s right to access is institutionalized and protected, as new media and communication platforms have developed.

MAP is at the forefront of efforts to develop media policies which will, quite literally, govern the terms of voter participation and public discourse in the next generation.

MAP works to ensure that current and future media and telecommunications technologies promote, and do not impede, democratic values.

MAP’s History:

According to the National Journal, MAP is “considered by some … dollar-for-dollar the best-run public interest group in Washington.”

In 1972, lawyers concerned with promoting public accountability and social justice in the media formed MAP to advance the rights of the public to participate in the democratic process.  In its early days, MAP’s work implementing the FCC’s Fairness Doctrine helped open TV networks to anti-war and civil rights activists.

In the words of the Supreme Court:

“It is the purpose of the First Amendment to preserve an uninhibited marketplace of ideas in which truth will ultimately prevail, rather than to countenance monopolization of that market, whether it be by the Government itself or a private licensee…”