Re:Re:Wired.com on Reversing Consolidation

[Chuckigo@att.net]

in response to Garrett, Dave offered:
>>... (snip)however I would disagree that combining local newspapers and local 
broadcast outlets would be in the public interest.  I see it as allowing a 
single company to control, not only news coverage and content but advertising 
rates. (snip) ... <<

in my first, full-time radio gig, i worked for the "grandfathered" Guy Gannett 
Broadcasting's WGAN (am&fm).  the company also owned WGAN-TV and the Portland 
Press Herald/Evening Express/Maine Sunday Telegram.  let me assure you that the 
company did EVERYTHING it could to keep the entities separate and most 
especially NOT equal.  WGAN radio couldn't BUY positive coverage in the 
newspaper, as everyone would raise eyebrows and go "Ah-HAH!"  in the public's 
eye, the corporation tried to ensure that each of its media presented an 
independent view and/or product.  
and from the corporate fiscal side, it was in their best interest to keep their 
3 different media outlets separate.  i can still see Ira Sills pulling out "The 
Little Red Pressbook" (the Newspaper Union's handbook) whenever trying to 
present an argument on behalf of the AFTRA Union membership on the radio side, 
as well a copy of the existing AFTRA television contract.  the company was, if 
anything, consistent in maintaining its stance that each unit was separate and 
not of a comparative nature.

- -Chuck Igo