Translation in the media ownership debate: the work of civil society groups and the Federal Communications Commission, 2002-2007

This article examines the concept of translation, which refers to the work of civil society and state actors in linking the discursive activities of publics inside and outside the rule-making system. Using interview material and textual analysis of key documents, this article examines public participation in the 2002–2007 media ownership debate. Despite restrictive, conventional practices in administrative procedure, minority leadership and civil society groups supported the emergence of public opposition to ownership deregulation. While opposition did not prevent deregulation, it shaped the broader context in which publics evaluated agency decisions. This case suggests that translation is both a process and an outcome and that support of publics requires constant renewal and reinvention.