This indeed is the meaning of the parade of mergers and consolidations that have been transforming the communications and entertainment industries. What this portends for the rest of us is summed up in the concern expressed by the American Library Association when the report was released. The stakes for a democratic society are high, and market forces alone will not ensure that societal goals are met. Since the introduction of broadcasting in the 1920s, the radio spectrum has been respected as an inalienable public property. With the arrival of the New Democrats in Washington this is no longer the case.
Public property is now just another parcel on the auction block.
To be sure, the government document makes several bows in the direction of the expanded social and cultural uses the proposed information structure will provide, such as increased health, educational, and personal services. It is useful to recall the earlier, unfulfilled promises that accompanied the first years of radio, television, and cable. Corporate ownership and management of communication technologies guarantee a different focus. In short, what presently prevails will be grossly extended. The new technology undoubtedly will dazzle.