Local TV news doesn't share the public interest

The Federal Communications Commission says that, in exchange for the right to use the airwaves we all own, a broadcaster must operate in the "public interest," airing "programming that is responsive to the needs and problems of its local community."

From what a USC Norman Lear Center study has concluded -- Los Angeles television news stations manage just 22 seconds of local government coverage for every half hour on the air -- broadcasters follow FCC rules like L.A. drivers follow stop signs: as helpful reminders for anyone who doesn't happen to be in a big hurry. And make no mistake, the people who run TV news are in a big hurry -- to create a space for news not already appearing on the Internet, to cling to viewers fleeing to their Xboxes and DVRs and to prop up endangered advertising revenue, any way they can. Anyone even vaguely paying attention has recognized for some time that local TV operators take something less than a keen interest in elevated civic discourse. You're sure to learn about the Guitar Hero championships. (Slammin' video. No analysis required.) But don't expect to find out much about who's running for Assembly or just how much library hours will be reduced by the latest city budget cuts.