Anonymous Patron sends us this opinion piece regarding the recently proposed FCC rule changes. It brings up the interesting point that, while there is a push to remove regulations regarding ownership of stations, more pressure is coming to bear on regulating content of broadcasts. From the article:
“The FCC is well aware of the changes that technology has wrought. That is one of the main reasons why FCC Chairman Michael Powell has pushed for greater deregulation of radio and television station ownership. He believes that broadcast corporations must be allowed to compete more freely against their rivals on cable and online.
It seems ironic to us that while Powell endorses less government regulation of media ownership, he wants more regulation of media content. Why let free enterprise reign unrestricted while at the same time bringing down a hammer on free speech? We fear that such a philosophy will result in more consolidated ownership of media outlets and fewer voices being heard.
We have no objection if broadcast corporations want to clean up their acts. But such actions should be their decision, not the government’s.
Any laws that restrict the free exchange of ideas and opinions inevitably will limit Americans’ ability to determine their destiny. While we might not care for Howard Stern’s program, political pressure should not determine whether we are allowed to listen to it.”
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