Here Come The Copps

FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps has long promoted media diversity, and has fought against the kind of consolidation we're seeing these days--in radio, newspapers, and television. Unfortunately for all of us, he has been in the minority at the FCC since 2000.

Here is a brief excerpt from one of his latest articles penned for the Seattle Times:

We have a [media] system that has been buffeted by an endless cycle of consolidation, budget-cutting, and bureau-closing. We have witnessed the number of statehouse and city hall reporters declining decade after decade, despite an explosion in state and local lobbying.

What has caused this appalling degeneration of our media? One factor, I am ashamed to say, is the abdication of responsibility by regulators at the Federal Communications Commission.

Another factor is the FCC’s woeful record of stepping aside to allow wave after wave of consolidation in the broadcast and print business. Though there are rules on the books designed to prevent too much cross-ownership of TV, radio and print properties in a single market, we have not enforced them with the rigor they deserve.

If technology and changes in the economics of the news business have made the old ways impossible, we need to find new ways to develop a media system that can serve democracy. That is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

His words about the negative aspects of media consolidation are much needed.

The High Country could serve as a microcosm for the nation:

• 5 radio stations owned by a single corporate entity

• The Watauga Democrat and Mountain Times is owned by a single corporate entity (from out of state), along with the Avery Journal, Blowing Rocket, etc.

There is one significant independent newspaper (High Country Press). There is one low-power television station, with a very limited news operation.

We agree with The Copps. It is time to start enforcing FCC cross-ownership rules, contesting radio license renewals, and pushing for true local media diversity. Our democracy demands nothing less than total engagement.

Link to the full article here.