Concentrated media ownership has destroyed the historic role that local radio and television broadcasters played in providing exposure and opportunity for new and local talent.
Prior to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, no one radio owner held more than 65 stations; now, radio colossus Clear Channel boasts some 1,200 stations. Today, more than 75 percent of radio market share nationwide is controlled by companies owning more than 40 radio stations.
Under radio consolidation, commercial "talent" gets pushed to the top of playlists nationwide, shoving local artists off the airwaves and turning radio choice into a mind-numbing race to the bottom.
The outlook for television actors and producers is equally bleak. Since 1996, the television networks have engaged in unprecedented vertical integration with movie studios and production companies. Independent creators who traditionally produced network programming have essentially been shut out of primetime.
Consolidation provides very clear lessons for aspiring artists. When you allow companies to consolidate, they will. The new owners are driven not by creativity, but the urge to maximize profits. The voices of up-and-coming local artists and musicians -- of diversity and creativity in a community -- are lost in the mix.
Coalition Resources
>> The Future of Music Coalition
>> American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
>> Center for Creative Voices in Media
>> Industry Ears
>> Screen Actors Guild
The marriage of Comcast and NBC is bad news for consumers. But Washington and Wall Street have already bought into the idea that it's a done deal. That's why Americans need to speak out now and stop the mega-merger!
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