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Jim Becka

Jim Becka. Radio & Television Broadcaster Since 1973. Prepared two applications (successfully) to the FCC for radio station license renewals. Media Problems. Radio & Television frequencies (at one time) were public property. Broadcasters had to insure programming was in public interests.

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Jim Becka

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  1. Jim Becka • Radio & Television Broadcaster Since 1973. • Prepared two applications (successfully) to the FCC for radio station license renewals.

  2. Media Problems • Radio & Television frequencies (at one time) were public property. Broadcasters had to insure programming was in public interests. • Modern Radio & Television frequencies are controlled by a small group of corporations. They are less accountable to the public.

  3. The FCC was formed by the Communications Act of 1934 to replace the radio regulation functions of the Federal Radio Commission.

  4. In 1973: • Broadcast Radio Stations provided news. • Broadcast stations provided public affairs programs. • Broadcast radio stations had to conduct public surveys and apply for licenses more frequently (Radio & Television station frequencies were considered public property).

  5. Five commissioners appointed by the president to make sure (Among Other Things): • "The Nation's media regulations must promote competition and diversity and facilitate the transition to digital modes of delivery.” ………1996 Provision.

  6. The United States is losing diversity.Currently: Clear Channel has become the largest owner of radio stations60% of Houston radio stations owned by Clear Channel. News departments and have been eliminated and public affairs programming reduced.

  7. What Happened? • 1981 • - Television licenses are extended from the 3-year period mandated by the FCC's charter rules to 5 years. Longer license periods likely make TV stations less responsive to its viewers • - Ownership rules are relaxed. The maximum number of stations that one corporation could own is increased from 7 stations to 12 stations. • - License renewals are reduced from a detailed inquiry about how a station served the public interest to a 5-question application (the "post-card renewal" process).

  8. President Clinton signs 1996 Act. As noted by Senator John McCain, this act was "written by [the broadcast] lobbyists". It helps the industry in several ways: • - The 40-station cap on radio ownership is eliminated; and within five years, Clear Channel Communications acquires over 1200 stations in all 50 states. • - The 1996 Act also increased the TV broadcast license period from 5 years to 8 years. The license period is now over 2.5 times longer than what it used to be, making stations even less responsive to the public • - The Act gives away $40 billion dollars to corporate broadcasters. The airwaves that belong to the public are given, free, to companies so that they can turn around and sell them back, to other users!

  9. 2003 - The five FCC Commisioners, by a 3-to-2 party line vote, rule to relax ownership regulations so that any one broadcast corporation can own enough stations to reach 45% percent of all viewers (up from the 35% that had been maintained since the beginning of FCC regulations). It also loosens "cross-media" ownership restrictions.- This ruling is passed is in spite of the fact that, as Commissioner Michael Copps noted, that 99% of all citizen input on the matter was against this rule change- It is worth noting that two of the Big Five -- Viacom and News Corporation -- were already in violation of the 35% cap, as they held 39% market shares. It almost seems as if they knew the law would change in their favor.

  10. Radio & Television • Less responsible to the public. • Controlled by big business.

  11. Fairness Doctrine • Until 1987, broadcasters were required to present both sides of controversial topics.

  12. Fairness Problems • Loss of The Fairness Doctrine and caps on ownership paved the way for such abuses as Sinclair Broadcast Group's airing of The Point over its 61 stations during the local news. For example, by claiming that their anti-Kerry film Stolen Honor is "news" and not political opinion, Sinclair argued that they need not provide Kerry with equal time for his political messages. Similarly, Mark Hyman can rail against the "Angry Left" on his program "The Point" without providing equal time to other viewpoints.

  13. Problems of Returning to Fairness Doctrine • Supreme Court would probably rule Fairness Doctrine unconstitutional. • Broadcast corporations have a strong lobby. • Many radio talk shows, such as Rush Limbaugh, would probably disappear.

  14. How should journalists function. • Though journalists are not under a legal obligation to present both sides of news, they should consider it their ethical responsibility to present both sides. • Try and be “fair and balanced”.

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