In 1928, the Federal Radio Commission (the precursor of the Federal Communications Commission--FCC) noted the need for special radio channels that could carry radio across the United States free from interference from other radio stations. Many of these "clear channels" still exist as protected entities. Perhaps no other FCC policy…

For nearly half a century, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been exercising its authority to grant and deny applications for broadcast licenses. In the process of comparison used by the FCC to assess qualified new applicants, two considerations weigh heavily: (1) the best practicable service to the public, and (2) maximum diffusion…

Of all the mass media, radio is the most abundant, both in terms of the number of radio stations in operation and the number of radio receivers in use. Unfortunately, given the dynamics of a competitive market and the Federal Communications Commission's reluctance to interfere with a licensee's discretion in the choice of format, format…

This paper examines the role that standard-setting plays in the adoption and growth of new technologies, particularly in the development of electronic media. Background on technological standardization is provided in the first section, including discussions of the costs and benefits of standardization and the timing of standards setting. The…

Commercial broadcasting seeks to maximize profit by developing a strong position in the marketplace and by attracting the audiences advertisers are likely to pay the most to reach. Broadcasting also serves many societal functions: it sells products, serves as educator and babysitter, and entertains and sedates. More people will be served by…

In 1928, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) developed a voluntary code of ethics to reduce public criticism of radio. Critics claimed that these NAB efforts at self-regulation were either too lenient or so strong that they posed antitrust problems. Still others focused on the issue of accountability in the code making process,…

"FCC v. Pacifica Foundation," a 1978 case involving a radio broadcast considered to be indecent, was the first United States Supreme Court litigation using the right of privacy, or the right not to hear, as a rationale for broadcast regulation of programing. The issue of pornography best illustrates the judiciary's understanding of the…

The decision on use of cable television made by the Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) in the fall of 1971 is examined with special stress on the regulatory, judicial, and political history of the subject. The various forces at work in the government, in industry, and from the public are studied as they relate to cable television in general…