2008 Woodie Awards
'Tis the season to be consolidated by massive media conglomerates
Heather Steeves
Issue date: 12/13/07 Section: Soap Box
In 1996, the U.S. government loosened media regulation to allow companies to own more media outlets. This was supposed to encourage more people to own more TV stations, newspapers, etc.: it didn't work. Now five companies own almost all of the media we consume.
It is difficult for Stephen King stations and family-owned papers to remain independent. An example of this is the Bangor Daily News, which had to lay off a large chunk of their writing staff last year. Conglomerate-owned papers have the financial security of their owner.
From this, we suffer gross media consolidation. Although I do not support this in any way, I did assume that this could work to my benefit during the winter months. For example, Cumulus and ClearChannel radio stations have to please a bajillion people. Knowing this, I would think that they would want to be as varied as possible and not isolate any audiences.
This has not proven true.
Each November Rudolph, Santa and the annoying tunes that come with them disturb my driving and shopping experiences. Christian soundtracks pollute my cochleae through these months.
Why do these heavily consolidated stations play for a select audience of Jesus lovers? Don't get me wrong - if I hear "Dominic The Donkey," I turn it up, full-blast.
Imagine not having a strong faith in any one god in particular. Then, all of a sudden, as you walk innocently through your favorite store you are blasted with the musical retelling of Christ's birth. Fantastic. All you wanted was a stick of deodorant, void of any religious meaning and "Bam!" There you have it.
God and I, we're buddies. I don't need ClearChannel drilling that into my head. They should play what they play in April - I miss my Plain White T's and that cheery "crinkle my nose" song.
I'm not saying that I would be any less annoyed if I had to listen to Hanukkah or Kwanzaa music, but I'd prefer my music to be without godly connotations. Let's get back to break-ups and Supermanning those ho's.
Heather Steeves is having the least wonderful time of the year.
It is difficult for Stephen King stations and family-owned papers to remain independent. An example of this is the Bangor Daily News, which had to lay off a large chunk of their writing staff last year. Conglomerate-owned papers have the financial security of their owner.
From this, we suffer gross media consolidation. Although I do not support this in any way, I did assume that this could work to my benefit during the winter months. For example, Cumulus and ClearChannel radio stations have to please a bajillion people. Knowing this, I would think that they would want to be as varied as possible and not isolate any audiences.
This has not proven true.
Each November Rudolph, Santa and the annoying tunes that come with them disturb my driving and shopping experiences. Christian soundtracks pollute my cochleae through these months.
Why do these heavily consolidated stations play for a select audience of Jesus lovers? Don't get me wrong - if I hear "Dominic The Donkey," I turn it up, full-blast.
Imagine not having a strong faith in any one god in particular. Then, all of a sudden, as you walk innocently through your favorite store you are blasted with the musical retelling of Christ's birth. Fantastic. All you wanted was a stick of deodorant, void of any religious meaning and "Bam!" There you have it.
God and I, we're buddies. I don't need ClearChannel drilling that into my head. They should play what they play in April - I miss my Plain White T's and that cheery "crinkle my nose" song.
I'm not saying that I would be any less annoyed if I had to listen to Hanukkah or Kwanzaa music, but I'd prefer my music to be without godly connotations. Let's get back to break-ups and Supermanning those ho's.
Heather Steeves is having the least wonderful time of the year.
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