Copps: 'regulate radio before its too late!'

“As for government and the FCC, we’ve been asleep at the switch when we weren’t being downright destructive. Twenty-plus years of heedless deregulation eviscerated almost every public interest guideline we had. Media companies took advantage of that. Don’t blame them. Blame us.”

That’s the FCC’s Michael Copps, long a minority voice in the wilderness on the deregulatin’, consolidatin’, confabulatin’, Bush-appointed FCC. Now he’s in the glorious majority.

Copps has talked like this for years, but it’s hopeful to hear him say these things when he actually has the power to make stuff happen.

In the years Republicans allowed the corporations to run free, radio boiled itself down to a grade C product- ownership, audiences and profits were shrunk. Now that it’s been wrung out like a dishrag and there’s a recession on, Wall Street is done with it.

But Copps, speaking to a trade group last week warned that the consolidators would be back, if they smell more money to be made.

Wall Street, he said, “call[ed] the tune,” and owners were only too glad to dance. Their ranks have been further thinned by the recession and consolidation has slowed down.

 “But consolidation is coming back,’ he says, “and once the economic indices start heading north, you’ll see media properties galore—all pining for those elusive "economies of scale" whose chase doomed so many companies over the past few years.
 
“If we can’t fix what’s broken, if we can’t rejuvenate broadcast journalism, reopen shuttered newsrooms, put the brakes on mind-numbing monoprogramming, stop the dumbing-down of our civic dialogue and take advantage of the great potential of local broadcasting, then maybe those who want that spectrum back have the better of the argument.”

Copps makes three FCC proposals to counter consolidation: minority and female ownership; localism, and making licensing renewals more difficult.

“Granting slam-dunk license renewals every eight years—without any semblance of public interest review—is just not credible. It’s not what the statute envisions or what the public interest requires.”

Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Lou Dobbs and Brian Jennings have tried to demonize localism as the “new fairness doctrine.”

“Let’s not be intimidated by a few loud and strident voices trying to make “localism” a dirty word. It’s not. Localism is making sure that our broadcast media spend some quality time covering what is going on in the communities where people live—local news and information, local music, and the rich cultural diversity that makes America America. Some shout "communism" from their perches—as if people who have had their fill of shuttered newsrooms, infotainment and an increasingly uncivil civic dialogue are somehow un-American.”

Broadcasters get hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of subsidies and the right to use our airwaves in exchange for a basic commitment to be responsive to the interests of local communities.

Radio, in its heyday, was required to serve the tastes and civic needs of local communities. Stations lost their licenses if they didn’t serve their “communities of license.” Now, many stations don’t even have local newsgathering.

Radio's decline has roughly followed the relaxation of these rules.

FCC studies show that people want radio that serves up the music, talk and news of the local community. That's a business model that worked for decades.

In this time of upheaval in journalism and media, we don’t see why this “platform” that’s already in place, and won’t be going away any time soon, can’t be rejuvenated.

Might have the added bonus of getting radio people back to work, interesting accountable investors, and might even inspire some young journos to get into the game and stay.

Comments

[joanie]

It's like everything else: local is better. We need to keep communities vibrant and people working. That will only happen when we wrestle the power away from giant corporations in all sectors. Wasn't the Sherman Anti-Trust Act meant to keep competition healthy? Giant global corporations have ruined our economies, put people out of work, destroyed the environment and practically made slaves out of those still working.

Corporate paychecks ever increasing over the last thirty years while workers' wages have remained stagnant. Thank you Mr. Reagan.

Local is better no matter what we're talking about.

Copps is a wise man. Too few of them around these days.

Now, check out the online global NY Times: you'll see islands of garbage. What are we doing to this planet?

[nick]

Keep the government out of my media. Those are the people's airwaves. This is just a scheme to get rid of Rush and replace him with Goldy. It won't work.

[joanie]

Oh, you don't think Rush could pass muster with local ownership? Well, if he can't, then he deserves to disappear. That's called capitalism.

You got a problem with that?

[mrogi]

Radio broadcasting talent is a rare commodity. Relatively few folks can do it well. The best of the bunch become nationally syndicated. The vast majority are hacks who draw no ratings and their only hope of a career is govt enforced regulation that foists them on the listening public even though they draw no ratings. These bottom feeding hacks infest local markets across the country. Seattle has its share of local yokels who suck. Govt edict is the only way they will get back on the radio. The local list includes losers like Rick Miller, NY Vinnie, Lou Pate, Fred Ebert, Bryan Styble, Erin Hart, Alan Prell, Mike Siegel.

[AuthenticAndrew]

I just don't buy it. For all we know, if the fairness doctrine was still in effect talk radio might be dead by now.

When you strip away the bullshit the fairness doctrine means broadcasting a) shit people don't want to listen to or b) shit that costs too much to produce. How can that be possibly be good for business?

I agree that we'd have a more healthy democracy if there were a broader presentation of view points than thet right wing echo chamber but it's not fair to force radio stations to foot that bill just because we give them the privelege of using out precious airwaves.

If something is to benefit all of society then all of society should help pay for it, and as a liberal I'm all for that. I would support a publicly funded radio program that served no other purpose then to let all manners of crazy people share their nutty view points to the five or six people who are willing to listen.

[mrogi]

The Fairness Doctrine is govt enforced horseshit. Dozens of liberal talk show hosts have nationally broadcasted radio programs. Almost none of them get ratings:
Randi Rhodes, Tom Hartmann, Lionel, Alan Colmes, Ray Taliaferro, Ron Kuby, Stephanie Miller, Bill Press, Ed Schultz, Richard Green, Mike Malloy, Ron Reagan Jr, Neil Rogers, Cenk Uygur, Mike Newcomb, Roland Martin, Amy Goodman, Lizz Brown, Rachel Maddow, Laura Flanders, Doug Basham, Jim Hightower, Bruce Burch, Jon Eliot, Duke Skorich, Peter Collins, Al Sharpton, Jeff Farias, Jesse Jackson, Lynn Samuels, Christine Craft, Bev Smith, Michael Eric Dyson, Stacy Taylor, Lynn Cullen, Jay Marvin, and Mark Levine.

[joanie]

I think you two should reread Michael's post. neither he nor Copps is advocating the return of the fairness doctrine.

Although Copss did address the "dumbing down" factor of mega-ownership.

And lists of names as your proof of anything shows how little you know about how radio works, judas. Go back to counting silver.

[ksr]

This whole article represents nothing more than Michael Hood's frustration that the "talent" of his political leaning can't seem to find a way to present a program that draws listeners, like some conservative hosts do. So, instead of learning from and emulating those who are successful, let's just use the government to take their success away from them. Then, we'll have a level playing field.

Reminds me a lot of what their doing to our eductational system around here. If the students can't pass the tests, lower the grading expectations. Then, go home, feeling you've made a real contribution.

[fRed]

And reminds me of the way some of the kid's sports are conducted these days. Don't keep score lest you possibly hurt some kids (or parents) feelings. What a complete travesty of our typical historical competitive American nature. Very sad to witness this downfall.

[gorkri]

I couldn't but chuckle over Nick's statment to "Keep the government out of my media. Those are the people's airwaves". This is shades of teabaggers telling government to "stay out of my Medicare." In civics class I learned that "We the people" are the government. If the the government doesn't regulate the airwaves, then it will be done by private interest accountable to no one but there investers.

[fRed]

Glad you paid attention to your civics class as you apparently didn't do the same in your English class.

[AuthenticAndrew]

ksr the failings of liberal talk radio isn't about the lack of talent, it's about a lack of gullible, over emotional listeners to fuel their ratings.

joanie even if this isn't about the fairness doctrine it's still about forcing stations to produce content they wouldn't otherwise see fit to produce at their own expense for the dubious honor of using "our" airwaves". All I ask is that the public be made to pay for that which is purely public interest.

[AuthenticAndrew]

If you ever needed a clearer example of how the Republican party is the party of NO, just listen to the conversation between Ross and Reichert (who sounds like a he read a book recently) this morning. (not exact)

Ross: do you believe everyone should have access to affordable health coverage if they want it?

Reichert: yes [but I voted NO anyway]

Ross: Do you believe health insurers shouldn't be allowed to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions?

Reichert: yes [but I voted NO anyway]

Reichert: my eighty three year old mother needed a pace makers, if we gave coverage to Mexicans, Wall Mart emplopyees and other undesirables then we wouldn't be able to afford to keep near-dead people alive in a zombie like state of catatonia with exotic hundred thousand dollar heart surgeries.

[Lucas Foxx]

Frequency bandwidths are finite resource. If they want the license to broadcast on those frequencies, they should be required to be accountable to the community covered by their signal. They were able to thrive for 6 decades and they were able to provide local jobs and, since most of the programming was local, they served the local interest. Unless the EAS overrides the stations, local emergencies go unnoticed by voicetracked and satelite driven programming. Many of the stations in this city are empty and unattended. They people they server don't even live in this state.

[AuthenticAndrew]

It costs a pretty penny to transmit a signal over those airwaves. It's not like every Tom, Dick and Harry is clamoring to set up a 50,000 watt antenna to broadcast anti-semitic lesbian meatloaf recipes.

[chucks]

I don't trust those cock suckers in Washington DC one fucking bit. They are nothing but a bunch of power hungry bastards.
They are out to control our medical services. They want to control all media, starting with radio and tv, then off to the Internet.
CBS News.com is reporting that the Justice Dept has subpoenaed Indimedia.US, a libtard website to provide IP's, times or any other identifying information including e-mail addresses, physical addresses, registered accounts, readers social security numbers, bank acct numbers, credit card numbers and so on for people that visited that site on a certain day last year.
You folks put too much faith in big government.
Just wait until your child needs life saving heart surgery and the "man" discovers that you contributed to the wrong political party.
They are lying to us. They lied to you. Don't let them fuck with our radio's, tv's, keyboards or kidney's.

[Erictheeditor]

Back in the 1960s,which Blatherwatch celebrates every Saturday as the golden age of radio, the local stations managed to have compelling, entertaining LOCAL talent on around the clock. This was true at local stations around the country. Even in small towns, even if the talent was not first-rate, they conveyed a sense of their community.
It is not that there are no potential talented local broadcasters out there, it is that there is no market for them. There is no farm club system of small and middle market stations where the talent can learn their craft and get better. It's pretty much be syndicated nationally or not be on the air.
Under a fairer, more diverse system, the big boys like Rush and Glen Beck would not be forced off the air. Others would just get a chance and maybe there would be fewer "C" level right wing talkers on.

[fRed]

May be we just need a resurrected Ron Bailie School of Broadcasting.

[AuthenticAndrew]

That's quite a big leap to go from requesting IP addresses for a particular day to denying your kid heart surgery. You presume that just because their request was overreaching that they must also have nefarious motives. You're a moron.

[chucks]

Of course they have nefarious motives you dumb shit. They are out to fuck us all over Andy.
Next year the government is going to tell you what the fat content can be on the burgers you cook and will not let you sell french fries with salt on them.
People won't want that crap and you'll be out of work.
They want to control all aspects of your life.

[AuthenticAndrew]

Maybe they're investigating a criminal. How the fuck would you know? Shouldn't you be worrying more about that kid that needs heart surgery?

[FOUO]

WOW, Chucks has gone completely ‘round the bend.

[Rick]

Chuckles, you are one gullible right-wing imbecile.

[chucks]

Chucks is not the one being led arround by the nose ring on a pipe dream brought to you by the Chicago Mafia.

[Drew]

When Fux News puts "Chicago", "Mafia", and "Obama" in the same sentence, their devoted followers do just what they are told with that information- so who's being led around by the nose, chux?

[AuthenticAndrew]

What's worse is using anti-terrorism powers to investigate people who clearly aren't terrorists in cases that are not terrorism related. It would have nice if BushMao had included a "terrorists must be involved" clause in the Patriotless Act.

[chucks]

Well Drew, I do watch FNC on some days up to an hour. I have never heard that said on FNC. Who said it, when?
I thought that the Patriot Act was good law. Isn't that why Obama asked that it be extended? I admit that Bush and Cheney were trustworthy with that power, but really, don't we all mistrust Obama? He is so much more likely to use it for personal gain. Something Bush and Cheney would never had considered.

[AuthenticAndrew]

When I think Bush/Cheney I think no bid contracts for companies in which Cheney used to work as an executive, I think of a Secretary of State who has an oil tanker named in her honor. I think about Reagan's cabinet being dug up from out of the ground and being reanimated in order to settle grudges from the late 70's through the early 90's.

[Tommy008]

Folks, please all get up at 6 p.m. and give a shoutout to once local scumbag John Mohammed as he departs this earth in the Virginia Penitentiary death chamber. I support the death penalty in special cases and oh boy is he special. Buhbye, John. See ya, wouldn't want to be you, you evil turd.

[Satin says come-hither]

Hear, hear. Finally, a bi-partisan post.

[Unionless]

Disturbed is the word for this individual, even his victims' relatives espoused that. For you to declare him evil would suppose you to be his judge. That is above your pay grade. You know not whether he is evil at this point, he committed heinous acts against our society that's true and you may be joyous at his execution but that is not God's way and some day you will recognize that.

[chucks]

Well the state of Virginia did the duty. What is it, 7 years? That is pretty timely on behalf of the state.
He has only received that which he bought and paid for.

[Tommy008]

I am joyous and he is evil. Period.

[Unionless]

And you will have to answer at being joyous for the death of a human being, God's creation.
God Bless You, my son.

[radioinfo]

The two worst stations in the region are ktth and ktpk. Not because of the programming, but the lack of support. The ads and the traffic/weather reports are often chewed up. I like some of the nationals but why not hire some support to fill the dead spots? I know it’s cheaper to run Reagan on the weekend but come on. I’d like to tune into some Jeffers to counter Cisco so me and the wife will share some mutual antagonism.

[joanie]

it's still about forcing stations to produce content they wouldn't otherwise see fit to produce at their own expense for the dubious honor of using "our" airwaves".

No, it is about diverse ownership. What's wrong with that?

[Drew]

Goddamnit, Joanie, it's about monopolies, MONOPOLIES, I say! Corporate bullying is what makes America great. When you get so big that even the U.S. Government can't tell you to stop screwing American citizens and consumers, then you get to move on to plunder the rest of the planet (which belongs to us anyway). From health care, to transportation, to the media, the glorious neo-cons have paved the way for us to grab what we want. And the beauty of it? While the Hannitys and Limbaughs get filthy rich working for mega-media conlgloms, their bidding is done by their obedient yet not-nearly-as-rich street supporters like chux and putz, and others who have returned to "bless this blog" under new names, who will never reap any benefits from their cheerleading. It's all about the Free Enterprise, Joanie, meaning, free to do as we please, and anyone who doesn't like it gets the big corporate finger.

[Paul Johnson]

The truth about the terrorist attack at Ft. hood would and is going unreported by the state controlled media. I guess people like Joanie and Drew would prefer not to "connect the dots" re this Islamic enraged individuals act of terrorism either just like Obama and his ilk have. Its called freedom of speech people. And you can't stop it. The overwhelming majority of people in this country don't think like the overwhelming majority of people on this worthless blog.

[Tommy008]

it's true- now they are saying Hassan had ties to more radiacal Muslims than just the exiled Imam. More is coming out by the day. People are starting to realize this loon should have even been still in the Army. The CIA had info on him that was never shared with FBI. This could turn into Obama's first major scandal. I'm not getting down on him, like others are over how he makes speeches- he sounds wooden, lawyerly- similar to W.Bush, except Bush sounded wooden and stupid. That doesn't mean he's noncaring. Bush was non-caring. But this Hassan terrorist attack thing is some bullshit.

[Boldly]

They say “holding your head in your hand allows you to think clearly”. Paul, remove your Johnson from your hand because you impudently are incomprehensible.

[Drew]

Why would this be an "Obama scandal"? They knew about this guy's activities and rantings in 2008, and did nothing. But I liked the "state-run media" label, like you have ever experienced what an actual "state-run media" is like.

[canalope]

Tom, have you checked on the time line? If you are saying Obama is responsible for this solders past, then shouldn’t you know when the solder made the offensive remarks?

[sparky]

I love it when someone complains about this place being worthless and stupid...and yet feels compelled to write something....heh

[joanie]

Drew, I agree with you. Diverse and local.

Andrew, they don't have to be 50,000 watts There was a time when that was a big signal(wattage?)...

I don't trust those cock suckers in Washington DC one fucking bit. Just wait until your child needs life saving heart surgery and the "man" discovers that you contributed to the wrong political party.
They are lying to us. They lied to you. Don't let them fuck with our radio's, tv's, keyboards or kidney's.

Argumentum Gutterum Absurdum. You never disappoint, chux.

Well Drew, I do watch FNC on some days up to an hour. I have never heard that said on FNC. Who said it, when?

And you lie like a well-woven Persian rug.

[WF Buckley's Ghost]

"The overwhelming majority of people in this country don't think like the overwhelming majority of people on this worthless blog."

While I agree with you in spirit, the truth is that this reflects the mainstream of the illiberal mindset of Seattle and the LAMEstream media, which is to the left of mainstream America. Over and out.

[joanie]

Then how come 70% of Americans want healthcare now including your son, Chris?

Hmmm, Mr. Old White Dead Guy?

[joanie]

And how come the guy on the left won, huh Mr. Old Dead White Guy?

[caliban]

“I think something's awry here. Is our multi-IP'd one back?”

You are correct as usual. I cannot put one past you. Our host seems to think I am some one of ill repute. So I must play the game. But I will always strike at the heart of the fanatics.