http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-997714.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists discuss a recent push to loosen restrictions on ownership rules so that companies can have newspapers, radio stations, and television stations in the same market.
The National Association of Broadcasters filed the petition with the US Supreme Court. The NAB believes companies can improve their financial health by owning multiple news organizations - and that in turn will allow them to invest in more quality reporting.
The Shop Talk panelists point out that has not been the case thus far. Companies that own multiple outlets in a market end up consolidating. They cut the workforce and those who remain employed are tasked with a greater workload.
The panelists also believe the creation of such monopolies would reduce the diversity of voices heard and would increase advertising rates.