Having spent close to thirty years in commercial broadcast radio I have seen a lot of change since my first day on the air in 1976. My inauguration to the airways consisted of my Program Director (his air name was John Roberts. His real name is Randy Culpepper) letting me segue a couple of records while he ran to the restroom. There I sat with my finger on the turntable start switch, nervously watching the previous record track to the end. Returning after about 20 minutes, and several record changes later, Randy had a smile on his face and a cassette in his hand. He planned the experiment knowing I would learn by doing. It's also known as trial by fire. I wish I still had that tape.
Seems we all learn from our mistakes. It's growth ... it's change. Most of us at one time or another have said "I'll never do that again." We stumble and pick ourselves back up.
Shouldn't that be the attitude of our politicians when it comes to our public airwaves? Haven't we learned from our broadcasting mistake over the past 10 to 20 years? First, in 1987 they repeal the Fairness Doctrine. Then during the 90's we allow big corporations to dominate radio ownership.
HEY GUYS! It ain't workin'!
The Supreme Court knew what's important 40 years ago... "It is the right of the viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters, which is paramount." - U.S. Supreme Court, upholding the constitutionality of the Fairness Doctrine in Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC, 1969.
During the past couple of decades we have seen a decline in real local radio and the increase in cookie-cutter style programming. The person you hear on the radio may be on the air in several communities and on several different stations. You may be listening in North Dakota, the announcer may be in Arkansas. Ask yourself; when was the last time you called a radio station and actually spoke with the person on the air ... in your town?
With the limited number of frequencies available in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission was assigned the task of managing the issuance of the licenses. The Radio Act of 1927 mandated the FCC's forerunner, the Federal Radio Commission, to grant broadcasting licenses in such a manner as to ensure that licensees served the "public convenience, interest or necessity." A public trustee. A licensee had to express the opinion of the minority as well as the majority. In fact, keeping their license depended on it ... not anymore.
With deregulation the responsibility pasted from serving the public to serving their pockets. Reduce staff, cut corners, syndicate, multitask, simulcast, outsource, consolidate ... that is today's corporate mantra.
Sure, we get to hear big market talent in small towns, but at what cost? Sure, the Weather Channel records "custom" forecasts (wow, how cool is that?) for all of its radio markets. Is that really localization? It's the freaking weather forecast! Anyone can get it FREE from the National Weather Service!
Yet, I ask myself "Does local radio even matter anymore?" Look at the popularity of Internet and satellite radio. Friends of mine who are XM or Sirius subscribers say they haven't listened to local (or terrestrial) radio since signing up. Let a natural or man-made disaster occur and they'll be glued to their portable radio waiting for the latest local update. At the same time, the local station will clamor for the first person they can find to go on the air. Case in point: the events of September 11th and hurricane Katrina.
Why can't we learn from these mistakes? Re-implementing the Fairness Doctrine will ignite local radio and local perspective. Its name says it all... it is a doctrine of fairness for the American people.
Of course, there are opponents to the policy. Those that have politically benefited the most from the unbridled conservative spin machine. Quoting Congressman Mike Pence (R-Indiana): "Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airwaves. It is a dangerous proposal to suggest the government should be in the business of rationing free speech. "Congress must take action to ensure that this archaic remnant of a bygone era of American radio does not return. There is nothing fair about the Fairness Doctrine."
Congressman Pence's statement is a perfect example of political double-speak. His statement is completely backward and completely wrong. Let me re-phrase his quote to create a true statement...
"Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine means will amount to less government control over political views and will ensure all of the American public will have control over views expressed on the public airwaves. It is a sound proposal for the government to mandate that licensees will share equal time for diverse local opinion. Congress must take action to ensure that this forward-thinking guideline of an impartial era of American radio returns. The Fairness Doctrine is fair for all of America."
Take back American Freedom ... Let everyone's opinion count ... reenact the Fairness Doctrine!
Also see:
Museum of Broadcast Communications Common Dreams FAIR Savage Stupidity
