Today, Senator John Edwards spoke out strongly against media consolidation and asked Democrats to take the necessary steps to stop the merger between Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and The Wall Street Journal. Edwards called on Democrats to oppose the merger because of the biased and unfair manner in which Fox News covers Democrats and the Democratic Party.

Yet while Murdoch expands his empire and his influence, some Democrats continue to take money from him and other top executives at Fox News and News Corp.  So, as part of his opposition, Edwards challenged all the Democratic presidential candidates to refuse contributions from News Corp executives and to refund any contribution they have already taken.

"The reality is that Americans deserve more news outlets — not fewer. It's time for all Democrats, including those running for president, to stand up and speak out against this merger and other forms of media consolidation,” said Senator Edwards.

"Moreover, given Fox News' consistent efforts to demean Democrats — they have attacked the character of Senator Obama, Vice President Gore, and many others — no Democrat running for president should accept campaign money from top News Corp executives. So, today, I'm challenging every Democratic presidential candidate to refuse contributions from News Corp executives and return any they've already taken, beginning with Rupert Murdoch. The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party."

-Team Edwards