Big Media: Its Effect on the Marketplace of Ideas and How to Slow the Urge to Merge, 20 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 247 (2002)

Authors

Donald R. Simon

Abstract

"The free flow of information is the life-blood of democracy." Americans are experiencing many media corporate mergers in recent years, and one is likely to ponder whether the idea of "marketplace of ideas" still holds true. In this article, the author discusses how economically driven censorship of journalism is blinding the public by market concentration and cross-ownership of media corporations. The fears of the Founding Fathers still lurk in the background as James Madison wrote: "a popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both." This time, however, is the BIG MEDIA. Consequently, the author discusses current legislations that address these issues. In conclusion, the author proposes amendments to the Telecom Act to curb media mergers with tougher and broader antitrust scrutiny. In addition, the author advocates a greater FCC involvement in media merger review.

Recommended Citation

Donald R. Simon, Big Media: Its Effect on the Marketplace of Ideas and How to Slow the Urge to Merge, 20 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 247 (2002)