1. Do broadcasters use radio and television to quickly and effectively respond to the local communities needs and interests? Give examples to support your answer.

I do not think that broadcasters use radio and television to effectively respond to needs and interests. In my opinion, they are more concerned about ratings and making money. Large media corporations seem to desire to acquire as many stations as possible to expand their influence and business profits as much as possible. I think they are more interested in deleivering their own policies to the public instead of reflecting the people they claim to represent. It is a rare find to see a station that does not have to answer to the conglomerate that owns them. Look at the Clear Channel communications hearing discussed on pgs. 23-25. This company previously owned 1200 stations and were staunch Bush supporters. They benefitted greatly from the policies of Michael Powell. When you read the speech by TC Calvert on pg. 25, it is plain that Clear Communication did not have the public's interests in mind.

2. Are there certain kinds of local programming (Public Media Values) that should be available, but are not being provided by broadcasters? what could some examples of these be?

I think it is the job of local rpogramming to inform its citizens of what is happening in their area as soon as possible, much like Clear communication failed to do in the San Antonio example above. They need to become a positive, informative source of information. We should be able to use local news to warn us of dangers, crimes, etc... that are happening where we live. I think the emerging technology of "smart radios" as defined on page 33 would be a great aid. Opening up airwaves so that medis is not so limited and implementing fair licensing techiniques for this new technology sounds like a great solution.

3. What could the Federal Communication Commission do to promote localism in broadcasting? Explain three of these examples of public-service-oriented projects that are already in process across the US.

UTOPIA- If they raise the money, Utah would deploy to homes and business fiber-optic cables capable of of delivering data at speeds one hundred times faster than the current cables. The focus here is faster, more relaible access.

Public Interest Wireless Providers- utilising public airwaves to provide high speed access via a shared unlicensed spectrum. They offer low cost connections to rural areas and offers opportunities for universal broadband services. I loke this because I live oue in a rural area that currently does not offer wireless. It is so hard for us to get information right now.

LPFM (Low-powered FM Radio)- Constructed at a rapid clip, providing a unique community medium. these have been some of the greates success stories. I have worked for one of these station in high school and admire them as well. these station are totaslly dependant on listeners and local businesses and offer the best local support in my experience. The station I worked for was WAY FM in Grand Rapids Michigan. They are able to currently be totally commercial free.

extras:What Stanford professor and lawyer that we have discussed before is mentioned in this essay?
What organization is he the founder of?
What is the "spectrum" that the authors refer to?