A familiar foe is once again threatening the future of many U.S. magazines and newspapers — and it’s not the Internet. The U.S. Postal Service’s recent proposal to hike postal rates has print publications even more worried about their future.

The USPS is asking the Postal Regulatory Commission to approve emergency rate increases in order to help offset a $7 billion deficit this fiscal year, which ends in September. But the rate increases, which would be the third price hike to hit periodicals since 2007, may put dozens of already struggling independent and alternative print publications — like In These Times — in jeopardy. They would balloon publications’ postage costs at a time when raising subscription prices and expanding ad revenue is basically out of the question.

You called, you emailed and you signaled your outrage as the Federal Communications Commission continued to meet behind closed doors with Internet companies, and Google and Verizon hatched a side plan on how to manage the Internet.

Chances are you’re holding your phone. Or it’s in your pocket, or at least within arms length. Wherever it is, grab it, and then dial 202 – 418 –1000 and ask for Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

Have a great idea for better media? We want to hear it.

Free Press is excited to announce the call for suggestions for the 2011 National Conference for Media Reform. It's your chance to submit your ideas for sessions, presenters or topics for next year's big event.