On 2010-11-16 19:08:46 -0500, "Lew Hodgett" said:

Say, "Thank you President Reagan".

Just one more example of a trickle down screw job of the masses.

Lew

Just as bad as de-funding that "pinko" public broadcasting, the relaxed
ownership rules leave us with about three huge conglomerates owning
most of the broadcast outlets has stifled any sort of creative or local
radio... which feeds the vapidity of what now passes for music. Excuse
me, make that "product."

Pre de-reg, ownership was limited to a handful of AM, FM, and TV
stations. Can't remember the limits now, but I seem to recall three of
each, and no more than two in combination in any market. Today, you'll
have any number of stations under common ownership operating out of the
same studios and offices. It may make sense to combine some operations
-- sales, for instance -- but having one jock cutting voice tracks for
multiple stations, or even multiple stations in multiple markets,
ensures "uniform and consistent mediocrity."

Not even sure it enhances shareholder value, no matter what Ronnie's
ideological successors tell us. And combining operations has failed to
save newspapers... circulation continues to shrink, the "news hole" and
ad revenues with it. It's not just a matter of another technology
(i.e., the intenet) overmhelming print and broadcast. When you "cut to
the bone" too severely, the patient can die.

No long range thinking -- and in the case of Ron, no thinking beyond
the next nap.