This is in response to a post on the Democratic Underground:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=89744
The question is, "How do Republicans get away with blatant lies and revisionist history?" One respondent's answer is that Republicans "own" the media. He provides a chart that includes Viacom (CBS), AOL/Time Warner (CNN), NewsCorp (FOX), Disney (ABC), and Clear Channel (110 million listeners).
Since when are CBS, CNN, and ABC bastions of conservative thought? Comedy Central (Viacom), ala Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert...these shows are samples of conservative propaganda? Disney - an avid proponent of gay culture - how does that fit with conservative standards?
Why does Clear Channel have 110 million listeners? Does Clear Channel have the power to divert radio settings from NPR, and reset the dial to the local CC affiliate? Is that how they command such an impressive audience? Or do individual listeners choose what and whom they listen to?
The poster doesn't clearly state that (or how) the media outlets in the chart are controlled by Republicans. In his mind, I suppose the chart is enough.
I remember radio under the Fairness Doctrine. There were no call-in talk shows, as we know them today. On KDKA in Pittsburgh, there was an evening call-in show called "Party Line", with Ed and Wendy King. You could call in, but your voice was never heard. Either Ed or Wendy would re-state your comments to the audience, and then add their own commentary. This is "fair"?
Most radio stations only played music, since an actual discussion required equal time for both sides of an issue. If a radio producer could not find a credible, civilized voice for both sides of an issue - end of discussion. WAY too much trouble...better to go with a music format (opium for the masses).
If we go back to the "Fairness Doctrine," it will shut down dialogue. It will not expand diversity of thought. It does not matter who controls the media, if you (as an individual) refuse to be controlled by the media.
Do your own research. Go to YouTube and listen to the speeches. Read the party plank documents. Be in touch with your Senators and Congressional Representatives. Pay attention, as though your freedoms depended on it. Because they do.