A recent report by the Knight Foundation warns that a widening gap in access to information may result in the development of a "Second Class" citizen group, causing an erosion of the democratic process. The Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy states that the United States needs a free flow of information to all citizens, just as it needs good schools and safe streets. 

The commission stated that now is the time to address the proliferation of broadband access to all communities. "This is a moment of political, technological and journalistic opportunity," said Theodore B. Olson, former solicitor general of the United States and co-chair of the commission. 

Three goals were set by the report for achieving a more balanced community access to information: 

• Maximize the availability of credible and relevant information 

• Strengthen the capacity of individuals to get and use it 

• Promote engagement with information and the public life of the community 

Fifteen specific recommendations were made to attain these goals, including setting new standards for universal broadband in the U.S. The commission asserts that providing universal broadband access will enable all citizens to participate more effectively in their communities. 

More support needs to be given to public service media, and public broadcasting needs to include and interact with the local communities, the report concluded. In addition, local governments need to provide better access and transparency to the community. This would promote better governance while curbing corruption and fostering local control. 

In the end, the commission concluded, the "information issue" is everyone's issue. The commission seeks to foster a nationwide dialogue on the issues it raised. Anyone may join the discussion at www.knightcomm.org.