FCC Questions

1) Do broadcasters use radio and television to quickly and effectively respond to the local communities needs and interests? Give examples to support your answer.

Broadcasters rarely use radio and television to achieve any sense of localism due to the fact that the majority of stations are based nationally (although moreso in television). On the radio, we have local broadcast stations, but even they don't harp on any "local" issues or things that would pertain to the surrounding community. There exist few local radio stations which focus solely on the goings-on of its region in effort to raise awareness or provide solutions to these problems. As far as nationally broadcasted television and radio stations, most of these show general programming- nothing specific to the community of a singular person watching, but encompasses the nation in topics that are understood from coast to coast.

In the case of Clear Channel Communications, a large media conglomerate , Texans were left completely unaware of a violent flood that was headed in their direction. They were unaware because their local stations were owned by the corporation, not by the public. Instead of warning broadcasts, the water rushed in and took lives while survivors could only listen to the popular music off the charts.

2)Are there certain kinds of local programming (Public Media Values) that should be available, but are not being provided by broadcasters? what could some examples of these be?

The kinds of local programming that should be available are the ones that were omitted in cases such as the Clear Channel case above. There should be at least two or three stations fully committed to local programming, covering four or five counties or so, keeping the local publics informed of all issues that pertain fully to their ways of living. Flood warnings, increased crime, political issues such as mayoral or representative elections- all of these should be covered because they won't be covered on any nationally broadcasted programming.

To use a pop reference, "Wayne's World", an SNL sketch-turned-movie featuring Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey, is an example of local programming. While they don't cover compelling local issues, this station is a basis for localism in the media. "Wayne's World" would never air, but with radio and television stations devoted to providing air-worthy programs with valuable and relevant information, the populus can remain more informed. It should be broadcasting for the community, by the community.

3) What could the Federal Communication Commission do to promote localism in broadcasting? Explain three of these examples of public-service-oriented projects that are already in process across the US.

To promote localism in broadcasting, the FCC needs to create provisions where these local stations are not just encouraged, but mandatory, and they also need to be kept under a watchful eye. So many community stations are not monitored properly. No one is willing to put in the time nor the effort to put quality shows together, due to the low budget. The FCC needs to contribute to these smaller stations and give them and their employees purpose. In the meantime, there are some public-service-oriented projects that are underway.

In Utah, there is a community broadband project, a $470 million dollar endeavor in which the state government can provide internet access, phone access, and television access at speeds 100x faster than their current rate, due to a fiberoptic network. While this is under attack by corporations who provide these services, if all cities comply and raise money, there would be a statewide-network in place.

LPFM- low power fm radio- is an idea that almost came to fruition, was halted, and is making a rise again. LPFM would provide thousands of local radio stations, free from commercials, from airing in local markets. Commercial stations were upset, fearing that these new stations would take away from their current listeners and create interference. The interference claims upheld, but a recent movement has brought LPFM back to the surface, and another strong push is being made to create these thousands of local stations.

Also, because of the proposition in Utah, the Supreme Court has allowed states, if they see it fit, to create these state-wide networks. While this does not mandate it nor encourage it, the door is now open for more of these intrastate networks to be created, enhancing local pride, awareness, and knowledge.