I'm really torn on this issue.
On one hand I think that companies should be able to buy and sell in a free enterprise capitalistic system. My view on this side of the question is bolstered by the continued proliferation of the Internet into the lives of individuals and the commensurate growth of information, news and opinion sources that are Internet-based.
On the other side of the question, I know that the mainstream media remains the opinion shaper in our American culture and that agglomeration potentially (not certain this is always the case) reduces the number of voices. Nevertheless, new sources continue to spring up representing many diverse, frequently opposing, philosophies. This is a good thing.
I think, on balance, I come sown on the side of allowing media consolidation, but with some reasonable 'rules of the road.'
The quotes below reasonably sum up the different viewpoints. At this point, I tend to favor the Powell view.
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"The architect of the new rules, Michael K. Powell, the
chairman of the F.C.C., has said they are vital in light of
a series of court opinions questioning the old rules and a
marketplace where consumers can subscribe to cable and
satellite television services with hundreds of channels and
delve into the limitless offerings of the Internet.
But critics have said that a small handful of companies
dominate the programming on the airwaves and that
consolidation in the industry has led to a decline in the
diversity of voices and coverage of local news and
community events."
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