Can someone explain to me how relaxing (already generous) limits on how much a company can control access to TV, radio, and print media will result in any situation remotely like the one portrayed by FCC Chairman Michael Powell:
"Our actions will advance our goals of diversity and localism," Powell said..
Shit. I guess I must be a stupid as I look. I find it insulting to every American that he has the gall to say that when there is no indication whatsoever that the legislation passed will have that effect and rather substantial and credible indications that the opposite will happen.
I think perhaps one reason many people fail to comprehend the importance of this change is because so many people live in big cities which naturally can support multiple TV, Radio, and newspaper outlets. But what about the one-newspaper small towns with AM access? You might think that they don't really matter, but they do.
Consider for example that Democratic voters dominate the rural areas of the US (this is not a partisan argument, btw). Now consider what happens when a major media company buys up local media outlets and can shape content according to its editorial preferences. I'll point out here that conservative talk shows out number liberal talk shows 100-0. Well organized, planned, and executed programming can shape public opinion in these rural areas, and with control locked up by major companies, it will be very difficult if not impossible for other (smaller?) voices to break back into the market.
I'm not suggesting a right-wing conspiracy here (although I admit its tempting, and would be rather fun). But I am arguing that these changes are much much more relevant than I think most people understand. Those who control the access to media control our thoughts (please try to understand that in a non-alarmist way) and these FCC changes really offer an opportunity for major media organizations to consolidate the hearts and minds of the American public, especially in smaller (democratic) regions.
Just to stress, this isn't a partisan argument but a plea to preserve the diversity of thought that is essential to the vibrant and robust functioning of this nation.
Posted by Nutrimentia at June 3, 2003 08:16 AM | TrackBack