Mass Media Unleashed: How Washington Policymakers Shortchanged the American Public

(Paperback)

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Everyone complains about mass media, but only the FCC and Congress are expressly empowered to do something about it, and that's why America deserves better from its media policymakers. Mass Media Unleashed touches on the key issues stirring the current debate over mass media policy, such as consolidation, the steady dismantling of regulatory standards, the roles mass media must play (but increasingly fail to perform) in today's helter-skelter world, and the vastly different ways these media are now delivered to and used by busy, on-the-go Americans. Carl Ramey, a long-time Washington communications lawyer, has observed the policymaking process up close and personal for thirty years. Warning that time is running out for taking actions that will make a real difference, Ramey shines a critical light on the massive transformation of government policy that has taken place since 1980 and has lead to vast changes in today's electronic media: more consolidation, less public service, and everything ruled by the bottom line. Before the game is over, Washington policymakers must step to the plate and hit a home run for America_scrapping the old regulatory system and writing an entirely new policy script that, for the first time, is specifically designed to guarantee a broadcast service that is free, local, and dedicated to serving Americans as citizens, not just as consumers. This provocative read is a must for everyone concerned about mass media's responsibilities and the policies that shape them.

Reviews

Carl Ramey's book is an insightful and provocative work that challenges conventional policy assumptions by someone with great understanding of both the theoretical and practical challenges involved in communications policymaking. -- William E. Kennard, chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission under President Bill Clinton
Based on his years of experience as a communications lawyer, Carl Ramey argues passionately that today's modern mass media are failing to serve the public good, and he lays much of the blame at the doorstep of deregulatory policies. To his credit, Ramey is not content, as he puts it, merely to diagnose the disease. He offers a bold policy prescription as the cure: Complete the deregulation of commercial broadcasting, and provide more government funding to the public broadcasting system. Even those, like me, who disagree with Ramey's diagnosis and cure, will agree that he has written a thoughtful and provocative book. -- Randolph J. May, president, The Free State Foundation
Mass Media Unleashed should be 'must reading' for policymakers, scholars, and, indeed, anyone concerned about the impact of government regulation of mass media. Carl Ramey, a thirty-three-year veteran of the Washington policy scene, has written a provocative yet eminently sound indictment of the failure of Washington policymakers to regulate media in a way that is responsive to contemporary concerns. Brilliantly written, Mass Media Unleashed is a scholarly work that is free of jargon and, most importantly, is a timely and thoughtful contribution to the ongoing debate over mass media policy. -- Erwin G. Krasnow, partner, Garvey Schubert Barer Law Offices
Ramey provides an excellent history of what has gone wrong with broadcast regulation. . . . Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates, faculty, professionals, and general readers. * Choice Reviews *
Superb book. . . . Based on the long experience of a communications lawyer who knows so well how the present policy has failed, this book is a most commendable effort and a great blueprint for reform. -- . * Federal Communications Law Journal *
If you feel media are delivering less public service and that their concerns for the bottom line are delerious to our society, you'll find thoughtful discussion here....The book is a thoughtful, academic, readable essay about the history of media policy. * Radio World *
Mass Media Unleashed takes a frank, hard look at the state of the broadcast media today and of the policies that got us here. Given the reputation of the author, the thoroughness of his research, the clarity and persuasiveness of his analysis, and his accessible writing style, this book is certain to pose a challenge to communications policymakers that cannot be ignored. It is a must-read not only for legislators, regulators, attorneys, and serious students of communications policy, but for anyone who cares about the impact of the media on our lives and our society. -- Fred H. Cate, Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington

Author Bio

Carl R. Ramey is a communications attorney who, for thirty years, was on the front line of mass media policymaking in the nation's capital.