“Reform” Group’s Agenda Takes Root at FCC, Threatens Talk Radio

Randall Bloomquist — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:15:22 +0000

The Federal Communications Commission is studying the state of broadcast journalism with an eye towards possible policy changes to “improve” the quality of news content. Given the influence of the media “reform” group Free Press at the highest level of the Commission, the report could have a dramatic impact on talk radio.

According to press reports, the FCC’s analysis of broadcast news focuses on a range of issues, including media consolidation, the business challenges facing traditional electronic media, and the rise of blogging and other “new media.” Of special concern to talk radio: The still-secret report examines the “quality of journalism” and the role of “opinion journalism” in the broadcast media.

The FCC report was initiated by Commissioner Michael Copps, a long-time critic of broadcast news. But the study also reflects the agenda of Free Press, which dislikes “opinion” radio and advocates an eat-your-spinach approach to news. This is from their website:

“News outlets across the country have replaced real reporting with celebrity gossip, sports and weather. And instead of fulfilling their obligation to inform the public, the massive conglomerates that decide most of what we read, see and hear every day serve us junk news and mindless commentary that is cheap to produce.”

How much influence does Free Press have at the FCC? A lot. Copps is clearly a fan — he spoke at a recent FP gathering — and FCC ChairmanJulius Genachowski earlier this month tapped Free Press staffer Jen Lewis to serve as his personal press secretary.

The storm clouds continue to gather over the FCC…

New FCC Boss Names Media Activist to Top Slot

Randall Bloomquist — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:19:58 +0000

In yet another sign of the challenge commercial broadcasters now face in Washington, new FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has chosen a well-known media activist to serve as his press secretary. Jen Lewis comes to Genachowski’s staff from Free Press, an advocacy group that opposes “Big Media” and would like to see government “intervention” ($) to save newspapers and boost public broadcasting. Of special concern to talk radio: Free Press is a big proponent of diversity of media ownership and “inclusiveness” in broadcast news and content. The group also believes that the media currently does not deliver quality news, but rather serves up “junk news” and “mindless commentary.”

Hmmm. Wonder if she supports the FCC’s pending “localism” rules?

» Julius Genochowski

“Reform” Group’s Agenda Takes Root at FCC, Threatens Talk Radio

New FCC Boss Names Media Activist to Top Slot