Country Stars Appeal To FCC

Claim 'Big Radio' Benefits Only A Few Chosen Artists

(AP)  The FCC in June reopened the hotly disputed issue of ownership limits, including the number of radio and television stations that one owner can have and restrictions on cross-ownership between newspapers and broadcasters.

"Broadcasters would like to see the ownership rules modified so they can better compete," Marsha MacBride, executive vice president for legal and regulatory affairs for the National Association of Broadcasters, said during a teleconference late last week.

"Broadcasters are not looking for wholesale abandonment of the rules, just looking for some greater flexibility," she said.

Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell pushed through loosened rules in 2003, but a federal appeals court in Philadelphia threw them out on grounds that the FCC compiled an insufficient record to justify them.

The 2003 changes would have let one corporation own, in a single community, up to three TV stations, eight radio stations, the cable system, the only daily newspaper and the biggest Internet provider, opponents argue.

They say the change would hurt minorities' access to the airwaves, curtail children's and local programming and limit musical diversity.

Reports released in October by two private groups, the Benton Foundation and the Social Science Research Council, found that radio companies owning more stations in a local market typically do not offer niche formats such as classical, bluegrass and Spanish-language stations. Rather, the larger companies are more likely to offer several versions of Top 40, adult contemporary and country music.

But many broadcasters and large media companies have supported looser FCC rules, saying the current restrictions are outdated in a digital age in which consumers also have the choice of Internet, cable and satellite TV.

"Ownership rules apply in a manner that really don't represent today's marketplace," MacBride said.

The Nashville hearing brought new FCC Commissioner Deborah Tate back to Tennessee, where she previously served on the state's utility regulatory authority before being appointed to the FCC in January.

[John_Merritt]

What is the actual possibility the 'stars' of these venues purchasing their own stations or a couple mega-stations which will allow them to compete with 'canned' stations? Or maybe the fans of these great singers and contributors to American history?

I do not believe in monopolies because it dilutes the pure enthusiasm and the entertainment value associated with stars and performers who are worthy of being part of our lives. If we have to be invited to their music through happenstance instead of design we will dilute and diminish the value of true fans everywhere. One day they may tire of being dictated by the megastations on what they will listen to, and they will stop listening altogether. Is that what we want? I sure hope not, because I love all the music, all the time, by all the performers.

By the way, in the pictures above, do they make 'small cowboys' or are they just born that big? Have a great weekend.

[afubar69]

Oops, the first part of the below 'rant' is not about this topic. That's what I get for cut and pasting. Sorry

[afubar69]

I think SEATAC made the right decision. Instead of bowing down to a bully the turned the tables and put the blame squarely where it belonged, on the Rabbi and his willingness to sue. Now he's afraid that he and the Jews will be blamed, go figure. Bravo SEATAC officials.

I agree with the complaints, dial in any channel on the radio and regardless the format, you will hear the same 20 songs over and over. I too have gone to other alternatives. Rare and seldom heard oldies on the computer or MP3s CDs compiled from my own music library. I rarely ever listen to 'straight' radio anymore. They just don't fulfill me anymore. Sorry Radio, I just don't need you anymore.

[blosnich752]

I couldn't agree more with the artist's argument. It is frustrating for me as a listener to hear the same songs over and over, I can't imagine how discouraging it is for a new artist trying to break through. And that doesn't just involve country music, pop has the same problem.
I heard a song played on my local station, which I loved, well they played it for a while and then just dropped it like a rock. When I called up to request it, I was told "nope, ain't gonna happen". Corporate rules - yes, it's a clear channel station, imagine that! I would love to be a music programmer at a radio station that would not limit to just one genre, I'd mix country and pop and some rock in there. Is anybody with me on this???

[myrna48dd]

Right on! More important than this, Clearchannels does exactly the same with political talk. You can listen to right wing nuts morning, noon, and night. You will NEVER hear anything except right wing extremists on Clearchannels. I'm so tired of it that I went to satellite radio.

[tucson23]

The FCC started out with a philosophy like the one these country artists are arguing for now, only then the idea was that diversity of opinion needed to be preserved. It's still true today: If Rupert Murdoch owned most or all of the media outlets in your town, you would only hear news stories and opinion that favored conservatives. Stations which were neutral or leaned left could simply be bought up and silenced.

Since media helps shape the public debate, it's important to not let one company, with one (usually pro-big-business) political stance, be the only one who's opinions get on the air.

The Republicans loathe any rule or law which limits how much money big business (Clear Channel and the like) can make, so they have been trying to loosen the rules. Since the big companies favor them anyway, they don't have to worry that there's less capital in the marketplace of ideas. More fascism from our friends in the GOP.

I tend to agree wioth them Clear Channel owns 1150 radio stations, most of which are country format stations, I don't mind country but do not want to listen to it all the time, WRDU in eastern North Carolina is now a country station, leaving only one "rock station" that can hardly be recieved by anyone unless you live close to the coast.