tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post4854946049190762770..comments2023-09-11T08:58:24.710-06:00Comments on Reach Upward: The Bright Future of JournalismScott Hinrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831447472339880148noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-1535375792442779252009-12-09T16:22:47.958-07:002009-12-09T16:22:47.958-07:00I have a strong feeling that when Murdoch talks ab...I have a strong feeling that when Murdoch talks about flexibility in regulation, he means getting rid of it. <br /><br />In fact, there are some things that can be done to insure that we have access to a larger number of sources for news, information and entertainment. <br /><br />We can make sure that no carrier blocks or slows down or otherwise interferes with internet traffic so that I can get to your site as easily and as rapidly as I can to MSNBC or Fox. We can break up media monopolies and restrict the number of content providers and cable and broadcast networks that can be owned by a single entity so that our media choices are not governed by an ever smaller number of companies. We can increase funding of public radio and television so it will be less dependent on corporate "sponsors" and will provide a wider range of voices.<br /><br />Contrary to Murdoch's argument, decreasing government regulation will decrease competition - that is easily demonstrated by our recent history. <br /><br />Should the government bail out the print journalism business? I don't think so. Should the government re-impose restrictions on ownership of multiple media outlets that crosses over from print to broadcast? Yes. That would at least provide more competition and more room for innovation.Charles Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975241234146573609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-53643343298551242722009-12-09T16:08:03.984-07:002009-12-09T16:08:03.984-07:00I have no personal quarter for Murdoch. His speci...I have no personal quarter for Murdoch. His specific regulatory suggestions may or may nor bear any merit. However, the general suggestion that regulations flex to meet the realities of 21st Century technology ought to be welcomed by all -- except those that stand to profit from antiquated regulations.Scott Hinrichshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11831447472339880148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-18285202997509426162009-12-09T08:20:42.271-07:002009-12-09T08:20:42.271-07:00Well, I have been pretty dubious about this idea s...Well, I have been pretty dubious about this idea since I first heard it some months ago. However if Rupert Murdoch is opposed to it, there must be some merit in it. I mean having Rupert talk about our need for "honest, independent sources of information" just robs me of any further attempt at satire.<br /><br />Murdoch wants more deregulation, particularly in the broadcast and internet media, not to promote competition but in order to further consolidate media ownership - particularly his own. We have deregulated all sorts of industries since Carter started with the airlines, and in every case we have fewer choices than we did before. The purpose of corporate business is not to compete, but to destroy their competition, and they are good at it.<br /><br />The Founders (nice touch for an Aussie) did not envision huge multinational corporations that are more powerful than the federal government. In fact Jefferson said "I hope we shall... crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which dare already to challenge our government in a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country." (1816 letter to George Logan).<br /><br />So in summation, it may be justly said that Mr. Murdoch, as usual, is amply possessed of fecal material.Charles Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975241234146573609noreply@blogger.com