Beware of Bureaucrats Bearing Deals

[Commentary] Last week, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin suggested that broadcasters cut a deal with him on new localism rules this year. The clear implication was that the deal with him will be a lot less onerous that the deal they'll get next year when Democrats will have a tighter grip on Congress and, lord knows, what kind of wild-eyed, liberal regulator will be heading the FCC. Jessell says, "Don't do it." Why? 1) The deal will not be great. 2) Even if a deal is in place, the next Administration might try to heap on more obligations. 3) Agreeing to a deal would perpetuate the idea that broadcasters work for the federal government and that bureaucrats can tell them what kinds of programming to air. If broadcasters are to survive, they must have absolute freedom to serve their markets the best way they can. They cannot keep up with quick-moving rivals like cable and the Web if they have to drag around pointless regulatory burdens.