why media consolidation is NOT a good thing

[Sean Smyth]

Garrett writes:
> In the old days, it would have been GE or Storer or General 
> Tire who would be in the position that Sinclair is now.

True. I am not romanticizing the old days (after all, there is a reason why
they are "old") however it seems like the older conglomerates who were just
in broadcasting on the side treated it as part public trust, part business
(General Tire notwithstanding). Maybe I'm wrong on this. A part of that
might have to do with how the FCC regulated back then, as well. (I'm sure
the veterans here can correct me if I'm wrong.) Did Storer actually make
money running Hockey Night in Boston on Channel 38? I would like to say no,
but I don't know for sure.

The Sinclairs of the world seem more apt to push their agendas on the
viewers. I don't remember a Group W having a party-line agenda all of its
stations adhered to.