New Report Detailing the Vibrant History of American Media Regulation
I am thrilled to announce the release of a new report I authored that delves into the enthralling history of media regulation in the United States. Spanning from the ratification of the First Amendment and the creation of the Post Office to the contemporary development of the radio, cable, and internet, this report, released by the Center for Journalism & Liberty, examines the evolution of public policies governing the media industry by exploring the myriad of public regulations that have significantly structured its trajectory. Perhaps no other sector in the U.S. has seen such a diverse and expansive set of implemented public policies as the media sector.
Central to this report is the profound impact of antimonopoly, which has consistently shaped the entire sector. From the foundational policies regarding postal services to the intricate web of radio, broadcast, cable, and internet regulations, the report details how the driving force in centuries of policymaking was to inhibit media consolidation, foster healthy competition, strengthen democracy, provide the public with diverse media sources, and overall ensure the industry operated in the public interest. The report not only delves into historical public policy milestones but also illuminates the nuanced relationship between government intervention and the media landscape, which is too often portrayed in a libertarian image.
Overall, I believe this report aptly fills an essential gap in understanding the foundational ideological pillars of today's media ecosystem by offering an extensive historical panorama and synthesizing a diverse spectrum of media policies. Ultimately, the report provides a map of what kind of policies our democratic institutions can implement to ensure the media industry is thriving, accessible, and free of concentrated corporate power.
The report can be downloaded here.
Enjoy.
Image Credit: Miguel Á. Padriñán via Pexels.