Six goals that have potential to guide mass-media regulatory decisions

Newton N. Minow discusses ways to keep TV and internet dynamic. Minow makes it apparent that public interest should be above everything. In order to do that he talks about six ways to build into our 21st century communications system.

First and foremost we need to make sure the public has the freedom of choice. The internet is a form of freedom, allowing people to post what they believe encouraging others to join in and express their own creativity.

Secondly, we should use new technologies to improve the benefits of education. Basically, we shouldn’t allow TV broadcasters to use our electromagnetic spectrum to send useless signals because they receive their TV signals through cable or satellite. Instead we should use that extra money for education purposes.

Thirdly, we should use technologies to reach our health care system. As a country we are lacking in wireless communications and high definition imaging to provide health care at low cost. We need to commit to using telemedicine to serve Americans at home.

Fourth, We need to build  a new and secure communication network to protect our publics safety.

Fifth, we need to give more funds to public radio and public TV. They are the source for local news and not enough money is put aside to divide between all the hard work that goes into informing our nation about important information.

Lastly, we need to make better use of over the air in our politics. It’s simply absurd to have the candidates buy access to air waves to talk to the public. The court believes that money is speech and speech is money, but I strongly disagree with that statement. Candidates have to rush when talking to the public over airwaves because it’s so expensive.

Limitations on speech are definitely a concern that need to be discussed in our constitutional system.

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