Cheap Thoughts: Taking Back The Tubes

Senator John Kerry (D-MA), speaking of an upcoming FCC frequency auction, reminded me of an important fact (emphasis mine):

With this auction, we stand at a crossroads—we can either provide extraordinary benefits to millions of Americans or tilt bandwidth policy to line the pockets of a privileged few.

There is a clear path I believe must be taken: the airwaves belong to the American people, and their use should serve the public interest.

See that part? The airwaves belong to the American people.

We own the airwaves. We own the tubes over which America’s media conglomerates make billions.

Why does it cost millions to run for President? Because said media conglomerates charge millions for would-be public servants to get their word out – using our airwaves! Candidates are forced to chase the almighty dollar – and companies with deep pockets – to get their voices heard.

Barak Obama stops in Chapel Hill for a private fundraiser. There were no public appearances. He’s not alone, every candidate does it. Its a race for cash to reach the American people using a media which belongs to the American people to begin with.

CNN took a step in the right direction when it made the recent Presidential Debates available with no licensing restrictions. I say we go a step further and give our political process free use of the public’s airwaves. Every broadcaster has an FCC mandate to serve the public’s interest. Let’s hold them to that!

It should not cost millions for a candidate to be heard, especially when that message is being delivered via a public resource. American democracy should not be for sale to the highest bidder.