Abstract

UP IN FLAMES

The author explains why Americans on both the left and right are opposed to a relaxation of media ownership rules proposed by Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, and suggests changes for insuring the diversity of the U.S. media. The FCC broke its traditional lockstep and experienced a very public 3-to-2 split in June votes that narrowly endorsed six media-ownership rule changes. The diversity of the opposition confirms that the FCC rules have become a lightning rod for concerns not just about the specific issue of consolidation of media but also about a host of systemic flaws that have become evident as mass media have come increasingly to be defined by commercial and corporate concerns. When the first National Conference on Media Reform convenes November 7-9 in Madison, Wisconsin, the focus will be on the future. What are the pieces of that agenda? Representative John Conyers, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, is right to argue for a renewed look at antitrust initiatives. Congress should roll back the number of radio stations a single firm can own. The regulatory process, which is in disarray and awash in corruption, must be reinvigorated. The promised expansion of access by not-for-profit groups to low-power FM radio-station licenses, which was scuttled by a back-room deal in Congress several years ago, must take place. Funding for public broadcasting must expand dramatically. Broadcasters must be forced to give candidates free air time. Media conglomerates must not be allowed to impose their will on the United States and other countries via international trade deals. Beyond specific regulatory and trade fights, the media reform movement must address what ails existing media.