Reply #55: I think competition from other sectors (like the local airwaves) would help avoid a "monopoly" here [View All]

I think I know what you are saying. If there were other options (such as local radio stations) that weren't also being plagued by the problems of consolidation (ala Clear Channel), then they would serve to keep the satellite services honest too. We are feeling the brunt of that here in San Diego with Clear Channel's taking away of KLSD counter to a sizable segment of the community's interests. If we still had KLSD, there would be less local concern about what happened with XM / Sirius merger. I think we here in San Diego are seeing and feeling what will start happening in many other communities soon when a now private Clear Channel conglomerate is more aggressive in doing what it wants in terms of content area shut downs. That's why I feel the need to speak up at this point, where I'm sure some of the rest here aren't as concerned.

I see both sectors having issues of not being regulated enough. I guess the way I see it, if you are trying to fight a Republican controlled administration and FCC on this, you can have more effect in terms of peoples' options if you try to make sure that the satellite radio space is an even playing field, so that it is an option for EVERYONE in the country, not just in areas where you might solve some of these local access issues with local radio stations (if you choose to fight instead the public airwave access a market at a time). So part of what I'm suggesting in fighting this drive towards a monopoly here is a strategic concern of getting balanced access.

If and when the local airwaves were to become a more viable means to have other content options available as the communities call for them, then the problems by this sort of consolidation would be of less concern. But our laws now as well as those implementing them aren't good enough for us to trust that the proper balance will exist.