Was the deregulation of the broadcasting and cable industries during the 80’s and 90’s as well as the Communications Act of 1994 good or bad for the American Public?
Is it a good thing that corporations can own many more radio and TV stations in each market than they could under the Communications Act of 1934? Is a diversity of viewpoints as well-represented in electronic media now as it was say, 40 years ago?
Can’t say about 1994, but the recent FCC changes are Bad, and are expected to lead to a consolidation of viewpoints.
General Questions is for questions with factual answers. This is more of a Great Debate. I’ll move it to GD for you.
Off to Great Debates.
DrMatrix - GQ Moderator
DrMatrix-- you know, right after I posted the OP I realized it should be in GD. Thanks for moving it. Sorry about that.
being a student of broadcasting, my viewpoint has kind of changed on the subject. first, i didn’t care. but it seemed that every new regulation that has passed have given huge corporations more control over every market. the problem is that after a while, it will be one big viewpoint about everything. the opinions that people in broadcasting have will not be opinions at all, and will be a concensus of the whole. the new ownership rules that have passed will just tighten the noose of free speech in this country. I’m not a radical, and myself feeling this way and not being a radical really makes me feel uncomfortable. Sorry for the long winded opinion. The straight dope is still one of the few places i can go and speak my mind. I hope that my feelings do not affect MY students in the future.