Comments on: ACLU Strikes A Blow Against Freedom Of Speech & Association

By: David Wilson

David Wilson — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:26:28 +0000

Hey, great post. I totally agree; however, I am interested in finding out exactly what regulations you are talking about (perhaps licenses?)that have stifled competition, just so I can have an idea possibly for a paper sometime down the road, as well as for personal reference.

By: oilnwater

oilnwater — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:16:11 +0000

what’s your opinion of the govt’s pre-emptive swiping of the analog airwaves starting in 2009? the lost opportunity of micro-broadcasters in the future leaves much to speculation.

By: Joshua Holmes

Joshua Holmes — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:55:31 +0000

Radio and television are more heavily-regulated because of the property right involved: the frequency at a certain location. I don’t agree at all with the current system of regulation, but the consolidation is probably pretty natural. What the ACLU should be pushing for is the opening of more spectrums for broadcasting.

But, with the rise of the internet, and the decline of broadcast network news, I think the problem of media consolidation is a market response to a tougher, more crowded market. I could, if I wanted, look up AOLTW’s CNN.com or watch CNN. I could also read Counterpunch.com, BBC.co.uk, or the English website of al-Jazeera. (I read them all.)

By: Omegis13

Omegis13 — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:54:40 +0000

While I do see your point, I think it needs to be considered that unfortunately, “the man” will not be pulling out of control of the media anytime soon. Unfortunately, this makes pieces of legislation restricting further consolidation a god send. It is rather sad though that we have to rely on such things just to preserve some level of competition in the market. In short, until the government is ready to pull it’s nose out of the market entirely, restrictions like this are going to be necessary.

By: Jono

Jono — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:03:51 +0000

They don’t get to why the issue at hand is even a problem !

So what if media ownership is currently amongst 5 or 6 companies ?

Calling for regulation means that you don’t trust the public to vote with their feet and to consume the media that they feel offers the best quality.

By: trumpetbob15

trumpetbob15 — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:01:46 +0000

Perhaps I am being too nit-picky, but AOL and Time Warner are the same company. Plus, I find it funny they mention Rupert Murdoch, but not his company. Eh, the message is important right, not the facts?