Before Net Neutrality: The Surprising 1940s Battle for Radio Freedom

[Commentary] Like in the 1940s, again there is concern over whether a revolutionary medium will fulfill its democratic promise or instead be dominated by commercial interests. Again we are facing the insurmountable market power of enormous monopolies over our media infrastructure. And again we are looking to the Federal Communications Commission to defend the “public interest.” Can this quaint-sounding principle survive into the digital age? Former FCC commissioner Michael Copps has called the net neutrality decision expected in February “The Biggest FCC Vote Ever.” How this debate plays out may determine whether we follow the path of broadcasting or begin to create a media system worthy of its democratic promise.

[Victor Pickard is an assistant professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania.]