The View from the Backdoor
The New FCC Rules
The big story last year for the radio world and by default the music world was the change in the FCC media ownership rules. This story is sure to come up again this year because the new rules have created quite a controversy in media and political circles. Most people haven't kept up with the battle to really understand what it's all about. So we will give you a brief overview.
Basically the FCC changed the rules that prevent media magnets from owning a television station, radio station, and newspaper all in the same city. Now one outlet can have all three or more and control what information you get and how you get it. In other words if a conservative right wing business man owns the only newspaper in town, the local TV station, and the radio station you listen to your news will be delivered in a more conservative way. They can also market products across all three mediums. It is believed that long term this will taint the way people in the area look at things.
The business community and the President embrace the new rules because it's good for business. In fact, they have filed suit saying the new rules don't go far enough. This is really a move to show the other side that they don't intend to back down. The cross marketing and consolidation of services will make money for those who are in control. For those who wish to stay independent it will squeeze them out of the market which has the media watchdogs in a rage.
The bottom line is the big companies already own multiple TV stations thanks to cable, they have radio stations in major markets, and through these sources have an influence on print media. They also own record companies, movie studios, amusement parks, and publishing houses. If the rules stay they get more control if they don't the big companies will look for a new way to get inside your home and your head. Here at Backdoor Music we encourage independent thinking, and independent artistic pursuits. If more people put their time and money behind the little guy the big companies would have to learn to play fair.