Media Consolidation

I've noticed that the Morning Call has written a story in it's local news section about a new PBS 39 documentary on Allentown.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-pbsdocumentary.6288182mar02,0,2528497.story

Should a newspaper be promoting the viewpoint of the producers and writers at a local TV station? Well the MC is featured in this documentary. I just watched the documentary and it was clearly a positive promo piece about the history of Allentown and it's bright future "out of the shadows and into the spotlight." This report in the "local news" section made me think about the possibility of the merging of our local paper with a local tv station. Could be a kinda cozy relationship for some area big shots.

Bush's FCC has lifted restrictions on cross-ownership so now local tv stations can buy up local radio stations and newspapers. This is really important and scary stuff. Bill Moyer's did a show on this topic, but for the most part I believe this has been kept kinda hush hush by the MSM. Please read about it here : http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/12/03/media_consolidation/

(Note: this was written in early december before the new FCC rule was passed)

Here's a report on the new FCC rule from Dec. 18th, 2007 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/business/18cnd-fcc.html?8br

This new rule was passed in a hurry, in Dec. before Christmas, before coverage of the primaries, and without much of an opportunity for the public to respond. In 2003, when the FCC tried to do this there was a public outcry and the plan was killed. I believe that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin was under orders from the Bush Admin. to keep the public out of this decision as much as possible.

What's scary about this is that at a local level this merging of media removes incentive for competition and high quality local news coverage. What will happen in cities where bilingual newspapers and tv shows bring minority issues to the forefront? What about women's issues? I believe democracy is at risk if we do not have several independent, diverse voices in the media. What's next, strict control of the internet and muzzling of bloggers?

Clearchannel has a lot of control over what music we hear on the radio, so I hope we don't lose our local community member supported radio station WDIY http://www.wdiyfm.org/. The choices for quality radio stations are dwindling. WDIY is a radio station that actually plays music by local artists, and has a variety of different shows hosted by community members. The music is multi-cultural and diverse.

It seems like when the blogs criticize the local newspaper, city government officials, or their policies, there appears to be an increase in positive promotional puffery from the local MSM. Just coincidence? Maybe. While Amy Burkett (from PBS 39's "Tempo") and the mayor are optimistic about the bright future and rebirth of Allentown, there are long time merchants struggling and stores closing on Hamilton St.

http://molovinskyonallentown.blogspot.com/2008/03/boutique-hotel.html


I wonder if the newspaper will be reporting on that as well. I'd like to have a rosy attitude like Amy too, but like Ronald Reagan said "trust but verify."