Michael Powell's Brave New World
source: MSNBC

...But clearly the model of where we are going in terms of diversity of broadcast in this nation is radio. Senator Ernest Hollings, (D-SC) who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, is worried that Powell is seeking to create “an erosion of diversity in our local markets.” He notes that prior to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the top radio station group owned 39 stations and generated annual revenues of $495 million. Today the top group owns more than 1,100 stations and generates annual revenues of almost $3.2 billion. The radio industry has consolidated into just four companies that control 90 percent of radio advertising revenue. Everywhere you drive now, you hear the same homogenous sound on your car radio. (Recent studies note that Internet media appears to be going in a similar direction.)

visit the story link for more on the FCC's recent loosening of media ownership restrictions.

posted on July 29, 2001 09:27 PM