According to Broadcast and Cable today, the FCC was scolded for its current ruling on allowing duopolies and even contemplating further consolidation of broadcasting in local markets. Even country music legends, such as Porter Wagner, told the commissioners present that..
"If you relax ownership rules more than what they are today," says Wagoner. "You will not only strip the airwaves away from the American public, but also continue to change the way we will do business in the recording industry which will be bad for not only recording artists, but also for the very companies who seek to ease these ownership restrictions."
Again according to another story in Broadcast and Cable, the open mike portion was equally as vocal. “One man who took the mike to register his complaint said he owned the only local station in his town after the others were moved by a corporate owners, who he called "idiots in suits."
Another lectured the commissioners present on their responsibilities in a highly candid and emotional manner:
“Are you here to listen and act? he asked, or simply to humor us. Is this an example of true participatory democracy, he asked, or a mockery?
You are public servants and we are the public he said, your obligation is to us, not a handful of corporations. We are concerned citizens trying to believe we matter he said, his voice rising as the background buzz quieted. "Don't make fools of us. you know what we think. You know what to do. Do not let us down."
As our own Kenny Olowin can tell you, Nashville is one of the warmest welcoming communities in America., but the FCC reception was more like a lynch mob.
Welcome to the 2008 elections.
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