The FCC is reviewing a proposal that would require every radio station to take programming advice from community advisory boards representative of the area's population. What's wrong with that you ask?
Well, it would require Christian broadcasters to seek advice from non-Christians and even those opposed to the Christian message. Some radio stations fear organized groups of atheists, for instance, could demand representation on the new FCC-mandated advisory boards that would factor into licensing decisions.
In addition to the requirement for advisory boards, the new regulations would also mandate radio stations produce every three months reports on how much programming of various types has been broadcast, who produced it and how it reflects the interests of the community – including segments who do not approve of or share Christian values.
The National Association of Broadcasters, which opposes the rule change, offers an online form for making comments on the FCC rule change – but the deadline is today. All comments must be filed under the assigned docket number No. 04-233, meaning that number must be included in all communications about the proposed rule change to be considered by the FCC.
Broadcasters don't like another element of the rule change – one that would require stations to have at least one employee on duty during all hours of operation. Breakthroughs in automated programming have made that unnecessary in recent years, so the rule change would mean more expense for some smaller-market stations.
Will all these rules and changes make radio better? I can't see how.
2 comments:
I feel that its a direct hit to remove Christian radio completely. I for one would truly miss it because thats all I listen too.
So would National Public Radio be subjected to the same “community advisory boards”? I doubt it!
They are only jealous of stations and programs that have made it in the market place of ideas without government subsidies.
Post a Comment