How did the Federal Communications Commissions change in media-ownership rules ignite a firestorm?
Manishin: Last summer the FCC essentially eviscerated about three to four decades of consistent regulation of the communications industry. Grounded in the First Amendment, federal policy had recognized that broadcasting technology constrains freedom of speech. For example, not everybody can own a television station because a limited number of frequencies are available. In addition, the importance of diverse discourse to American values cautions against concentration of ownership of broadcast television, radio and other communications outlets. At its founding, the FCC promulgated the chain broadcasting rules. These rules limited the ability of NBC, which then owned not just one but two radio networks, to add more affiliates. Over time expansion of these rules has been based upon the same First Amendment principles. That is, federal regulation is needed to help ensure expression of diverse points of view at the local level as opposed to one voice expressing a solitary national doctrine.
