FCC should help make TV a more local product again

FCC SHOULD HELP MAKE TV A MORE LOCAL PRODUCT AGAIN
[SOURCE: Cincinnati Enquirer, AUTHOR: Chuck Fries]
[Commentary] To say that a lot has changed about television is an obvious understatement. In addition to new technologies, there are new rules that tilt the balance from the public interest and independent ideas to mass consolidation and corporate control. The independent producer, writer and director have been effectively locked out. The focus has shifted away from local communities and independent voices. The rules that allowed these shifts have helped some very large corporations, but they have hurt creators and communities. Even as technology and laws have changed, the basic elements of television have not. The airwaves still belong to the public, and in exchange for the privilege of using those airwaves broadcasters have a responsibility to the public and local communities. The best programming still comes from independent artists and entertainers whose main concern is creating quality entertainment. The FCC should stop the consolidation where it is, require broadcasters to give more than lip service to public service, and find ways to again make TV a place where a kid from Cincinnati can grow up to create and own the product of his work in educational, entertaining and independent television.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/EDIT02/7030...