Bobert,

This is a tough one. I assume when you mention "the FCC thing" you are referring to the ownership issue.   

One one hand I am scared when I see Clearchannel and a handful of other corporations owning all the media. However this may be a case of "getting what you wish for".

When I first started in radio (back in 1975) the FCC had it's claws in everything. I remember getting on the bus and heading into the city to the FCC office at Houston and Varrick to take my 3rd class license test. I spent weeks studying for that thing.   Now, anyone that can sign a form gets a license.   The FCC had strict rules about offering programs in the public interest. A challenge to a license was much easier then. While such strict rules about ownership seemed to be in the public interest, it placed serious restrictions on what you could do as a broadcaster. Many small-time broadcasters could not afford to keep in business as technology and expectations changed. There were parts of the country that lacked decent news coverage because of limitations placed on who could own a radio station. Public radio (and TV) had some serious issues - at that time you weren't allowed to have "underwriting" as it exists today. It was a tough time. There was a serious cry, from broadcasters, to loosen the restrictions and redtape. First amendment rights were at issue.

Now it seems we have gone to the extreme. I have reservations about placing restrictions on big business, I always think of being in the other guys shoes and I don't feel that is right to infringe upon my attempt at success.   On the other hand, monopolies aren't good either.

What is the answer? I wish I knew.   Perhaps the answer is in low power radio stations, the internet and whatever the future will bring. The other is to stop Clearchannel and their brothers from buying out more stations. Somebody is selling these outlets, they aren't appearing out of the blue.

Remember one thing - if "the big four" take over it is because of, as you mentioned, people not paying attention. Only 190 people showed up for the recent FCC forum on this issue, and most of those were lobbiests from the media. The general public sat on their hands, once again. There are still rules to challenge station ownership, but admittedly it is a tough route. The FCC is required to review ownership issues biannually so no matter what transpires this spring, it can be changed again. However, people need to speak out.

Ron