FCC and Broadcasting
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Allocation of Frequencies:
Change the allocating system so that frequencies are auctioned out to the highest bidders, and let anyone bid who meets minimum requirements, so no one is arbitrarily excluded from broadcasting and no preference is shown toward favored companies having ties to those in power.
Concentration of Power:
To discourage concentration of power into the hands of a few wealthy interests, adopt a frequency allocating and bidding procedure which imposes higher prices onto those licensees who lease multiple frequencies, especially multiple frequencies serving the same geographical market.
- Thus, while allowing a company to expand its ownership of stations or frequencies, require it to pay ever higher prices for more frequencies, so there is a built-in disincentive for one licensee to continue amassing more frequencies without limit.
- Thus curtail the ever-increasing concentration of power into the hands of a few. Set the higher prices at sufficient levels, with on-going adjustment as needed, to ensure that the desired limits on concentration are realized as a result.
Non-Commercial Broadcasting:
Set aside a certain number of frequencies reserved for private non-commercial broadcasters.
- Impose the general requirement that these licensees may not broadcast on their frequency any commercial announcements or fund-raising marathons or solicitations, with the exception of limited requests for donations to the station itself to share in operating costs.
- Let any license seeker who agrees to these terms participate in the bidding on these non-commercial frequencies, which are to be leased out to the highest bidder.