Good point. TV/Radio spectrum is one area where I do think some regulation is a good thing---to avoid the tragedy of the commons. On the other hand, I'm I firm believer that the general increase of regulations is one driver of consolation across a number of industries. e.g. It requires a lawyer (or team of lawyers) to navigate the regulatory landscape, and larger organizations are better able to bear those costs. The 1996 TCA was advertised as a way to increase competition, and it some ways it helped---internet and cellphone advances for example. But that expansion also led to less consumption of traditional media, which drove consolidation as some media companies became unprofitable---particularly in smaller markets.
As in so many areas of life, it's difficult at times to find the proper balance.
Except in this case it was government taking its thumb off and deregulating so the consolidation could happen.
Good point. TV/Radio spectrum is one area where I do think some regulation is a good thing---to avoid the tragedy of the commons. On the other hand, I'm I firm believer that the general increase of regulations is one driver of consolation across a number of industries. e.g. It requires a lawyer (or team of lawyers) to navigate the regulatory landscape, and larger organizations are better able to bear those costs. The 1996 TCA was advertised as a way to increase competition, and it some ways it helped---internet and cellphone advances for example. But that expansion also led to less consumption of traditional media, which drove consolidation as some media companies became unprofitable---particularly in smaller markets.
As in so many areas of life, it's difficult at times to find the proper balance.
Yes , but who understood that would be the result ?