Re: [Swprograms] BBC World in USA

[<jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

So, is it your view that it's this way because that is how we want it???   

"Americans have decided that privately-funded, market-driven media is the model they prefer - they have voted with their feet and the ballot box."

With respect, I think that's a big leap.  Most take what's fed to them and either fail or choose not to look beyond their nose.  In that sense, it's their choice.  But the choices on offer are limited by others (who shouldn't be) in a position to do so for very self-interested reasons.  

But I agree with your comments about self-education and agitation.  I'm a little less hopeful than you that it will make any difference in the end.  But maybe I'm a bit too skeptical.

jaf

---- Richard Cuff <rdcuff@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: 
> Unfortunately this is not about to change right away.  Americans have
> decided that privately-funded, market-driven media is the model they
> prefer - they have voted with their feet and the ballot box.
> 
> We have collectively pressured our government to keep marginal tax
> rates low, which keeps a tradition of commercial funding in place for
> a variety of institutions that, elsewhere, are government-managed.
> 
> The good news is that, for many, Big Cable no longer holds the
> monopoly it did regarding TV distribution.  If the monopoly were
> absolute, no Time Warner cable systems would carry Fox News or MSNBC
> because these two services compete for viewers with CNN.  These
> companies are smart enough to recognize that half a loaf (i.e.
> carrying competing news services to increase subscriber base, even
> though your channel has fewer viewers) is better than no loaf (i.e.
> restricting access to those services).  Many of us can now obtain our
> television through competing  broadband service providers - e.g.
> Verizon FIOS.
> 
> Part of the way to correct this is to increase demand and visibility
> for the service - i.e. telling our friends and neighbors.  TiVo the
> program so you can watch it later.  Complain repeatedly to relevant
> government officials.  Ask them why they don't regulate cable
> companies more strictly.  Be prepared to pay more in taxes to
> compensate for the franchise fees ("hush money") these companies pay
> to local governments.  Vote the unsympathetic officials out of office.
> 
> Educate ourselves and others regarding the ways one can get access to
> perspectives such as those on the BBC America newscasts.
> 
> Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA
> 
> 
> On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:57 PM, John Figliozzi <jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > Of course, the behavior of our highly ownership concentrated media is cause
> > for great concern.  But since we're in an age when corporate interests reign
> > supreme and are allowed to run roughshod over Constitutional rights,
> > Congress and the FCC seem not inclined to address the situation at present.
> >
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