FCC's timid recommendations won't do much to boost journalism

[Commentary] I was pleased that a Federal Communications Commission report on the future of journalism came to some intriguing conclusions about how the press can thrive. Absolutely, I would like to see philanthropists fund local watchdog journalism. Yes, there should be some tax laws that foster an independent press. Of course, postal rates need to be changed so newspapers can regain the advertising business lost to direct mail. These would all make for good media policy. The problem is the FCC has no impact on any of these policies it proposes. The useful ideas put forth in the "Information Needs of Communities" report landed like an advertising-starved newspaper on a front porch.