Mass Media Unleashed

Carl Ramey, a long-time Washington communications lawyer who has observed the policymaking process for thirty years, shines a critical light on the transformation of government policy since 1980 that has lead to vast changes in electronic media: more consolidation, less public service, and everything ruled by the bottom line. In Mass Media Unleashed, he argues that Washington policymakers must scrap the old regulatory system and write a new policy script designed to guarantee a broadcast service that is free, local, and dedicated to serving Americans as citizens, not just as consumers.