The greatest amount of activity has been seen in the radio market, where the elimination of checks on ownership concentration has been the most extensive. The pattern in radio is arguably a harbinger of things to come in the television industry, if there is further relaxation of the rules in that arena. According to Radio World , the top ten radio groups in 1997 controlled 1,134 stations. Two companies provide virtually all the news for Washington, D.C. radio listeners. CBS, Chancellor, Clear Channel and Jacor.
Most analysts predict more consolidation to come.
The number of minority owners in the broadcast industry is appalling. Minorities represent more than a quarter of the nation's population. Most of that decline is directly attributable to skyrocketing prices resulting from the race to consolidate. Now some in the broadcast industry want to create the same level of concentration in the television industry. Structural regulations ensure government need not regulate content.