B²: Wait. Net Neutrality isn’t fair?
In November, President Obama argued in support of Net Neutrality. He claimed that not enacting these regulations would, “threaten to end the internet as we know it.”
Those are pretty big words.
The FCC is likely to rule on the fate of the internet this month, and the rhetoric is heating up again. Proponents of Net Neutrality are claiming that it is all in the name of “fairness,” “openness,” and, well, “neutrality.”
You could get trapped in an interview with those words. Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.
Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block & bridge) that sets the narrative straight:
Q: “Net Neutrality is about keeping the internet free and open. Don’t you support leveling the playing field for all?”
B²: “Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The opposite is happening. This is actually the government dictating the rules of the internet, which will <insert talking point>.
Your choice of talking points could include:
… Result in an unfair tax increase on the middle class, costing internet users $15 billion in total;
… Create unfair regulations that stifle innovation; or
… Hinder small start ups from entering into that marketplace.
But wherever you take the conversation next, use words and phrases that paint the picture that government intervention is harmful to the internet.
In other words, your opponents are using words that poll in their favor. So, refrain from using the phrase, “Net Neutrality.” Do reclaim “fair” and “open” language to your advantage!