The problem with Imus is not that he's a racist, it's that he's rich and powerful and has no real set of counterparts. Minority ownership of media outlets in America is pitifully low, as is the power and reach of community radio, or public access television. In fact, except for the internet, our media structures are exceptionally undemocratic and subsidized heavily by the government to the tune of $500 billion. But don't take my word for it, take the word of FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, who is calling for a 'New America Media Contract'. Here's what it is.
"We, the American people have given broadcasters free use of the nation's most valuable spectrum, and we expect something in return. We expect this.First, a right to media that strengthens our democracy;
Second, a right to local stations that are actually local;
Third, a right to media that looks and sounds like America;
Fourth, a right to news that isn't canned and radio playlists that aren't for sale; and
Fifth, a right to programming that isn't so damned bad so damned often
When we do have a diverse media structure like the internet, amazing things happen. Some time this or next month, the FCC is going to set up rules for how an incredibly rich piece of spectrum will be allocated. This spectrum could do anything from create a new wireless network to provide universal and openly neutral broadband network to enrich incumbent telephone companies and the media conglomerates that profit off of Imus's hate speech.
It will soon be up to us to put pressure on the FCC to make a wise choice. We have allies in Ed Markey and John Dingell, as well as a diverse chorus of labor, minority groups, and media reform wonks. But the argument should be clear. If there's a public brouhaha around Don Imus, and we still give $500 billion in public airwaves to the people that employ him, then they really won't have much of an incentive to clamp down on people like Imus. Racism will still be too profitable.
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