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Media Consolidation Leaves Us Vulnerable
When we consider the theory of media consolidation, it is easy for most of us to say, “Yeah, that’s right. One company shouldn’t own all of the media outlets in any one market. Some channels should remain clear.” Most of us can embrace the theory that locally owned stations are more likely to carry local content. A documentary like Orwell Rolls in His Grave is enough to scare us stupid.
The intended and unintended consequences of the 1996 Telecommunications Act have been investigated and discussed by those interested in media reform. In 2003, Federal Communications Commission revisions brought related issues into the news again–for a few months. Last Fall, a 2004 FCC report was ordered destroyed. The report found that “localism was beneficial to the public,” according to Sen. Barbara Boxer. That got a minute of attention. The National Conference for Media Reform this month had plenty of alternative media coverage. An article in the current issue of The Nation tells us this is “Media Reform’s Moment.”
What does it take to get people moving? I’m going to venture back to the idea that we learn and pass on knowledge through story and say that we need a good story that tells us exactly what can happen when, for example, one media giant owns all local radio stations with no live operator, just a national feed. To get average American people fighting media consolidation, it takes a good story.
We have that story in Eric Klinenberg’s new book, Fighting for Air: The Battle to Control America’s Media.
Five years ago this week a train derailed in Minot, North Dakota leaking thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals into the air. One person died and hundreds were treated for immediate health problems. The city’s six non-religious commercial radio stations – all owned by Clear Channel – never aired warnings for local residents.
I haven’t read the book. I can’t quite imagine that the words on page could be as powerful as the tapes of 911 calls from frantic Minot residents.
The most moving story I’ve heard yet on the consequences of media consolidation is told on yesterday’s Democracy Now interview with the author, where you can hear the story of what happened in Minot when Clear Channel was nowhere to be found.
Who is following the implications of media consolidation?
- Common Cause
- The Media Access Project
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (though you may want to hear him speak on Democracy Now since his formerly rich House site is now gone)
Archive
January 26th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
[…] This is another wrenching story from Democracy Now yesterday. And there is a new shocking story today. Democracy Now is Fascism Watch Now. This story of immigration, the story of media consolidation, and the story of outsourcing the military make up the most important hour you can spend this week to stay informed about what happens when corporations rule the world. The wake up calls are sounding all around us. read comments (0) Media Consolidation Leaves Us Vulnerable Author: admin 01 26th, 2007 […]