From an open letter by Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One:

"...There has been only one hearing on the bill and that hearing did not have any black ownership representation. Black radio owners and community leaders including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dick Gregory, Tom Joyner, and myself have all begged Conyers to at least allow us the opportunity for a hearing. He has flatly refused."

THE FACTS: Wrong. Charles Warfield, an African American who is President of ICBC Broadcast Holdings, testified at the House Judiciary Committee's July 2007 hearing on "Updating the Performance Right and Platform Parity for the 21st Century."

In addition, in March of this year, House Judiciary Chairman Conyers invited the National Association of Broadcasters to provide two witnesses for a hearing, preferably minority representatives. Instead, NAB provided - with Radio One CEO Alfred Liggins' blessing - Mr. Steven Newberry (Chairman of NAB's Radio Board) and Mr. W. Lawrence Patrick (President of Patrick Communications, a media broker). In response to Radio One's further complaints, Chairman Conyers held another hearing on minority issues and invited several witnesses, including Mr. Liggins, his mother and Radio One Chairman Cathy Hughes, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Tom Joyner and others. All refused to testify.

Last time we checked, an invitation is still an opportunity, even if you decide not to take it.