Sponsor
Hatfield School of Government. Division of Political Science
First Advisor
Craig Carr
Date of Publication
1-1-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science
Department
Political Science
Language
English
Subjects
United States -- Telecommunications Act of 1996, Radio journalism -- Political aspects -- Oregon -- Portland, Communication in politics -- Law and legislation, Telecommunication -- Deregulation -- Political aspects -- Oregon -- Portland, Regional Journalism -- Political aspects -- Oregon -- Portland
DOI
10.15760/etd.157
Physical Description
1 online resource (vi, 139 p.)
Abstract
News and public affairs on commercial radio dramatically changed following the 1996 Telecom Act, with rapid consolidation and economic efficiencies radically shrinking commercial radio's role in the provision of political information. By examining jobs data, public files, and the views of broadcast journalists, this project assesses the Act's impact through the lens of civic-minded Portland, Oregon. Because political information enables democracy, and because of radio's uniquely accessible qualities, this paper argues that market emphasis in media policy--especially in the Act's absolute manifestation--has diminished a significant channel of public discourse. Noticing radio's democratic potential, still relevant in the digital age, this work offers support for a revival of discursive opportunities on local commercial radio.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/7245
Recommended Citation
Webb, Rebecca, "Diminished Democracy? Portland Radio News/Public Affairs After the Telecom Act of 1996" (2011). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 157.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.157
