Interesting concept, Brian, but I disagree with this comment: "The threshold of applying standards is choice. Because one must make a conscious decision (and work a little harder) to read a book, go see a movie, listen to satellite radio or visit a website, those media are held to a much less rigorous decency standard than broadcast TV or radio."

Legally, it has to do (as you mentioned) with "public ownership" of the airways. You do not need a license to publish, or put up a website - you DO need a license to boradcast. And therefore you can be regulated.

However, I think the broadcasting paradigm is likely to be under increasing technological attack - from narrowcasting and video-over-ip. Blogs, vlogging, and RSS are going to drive this change.
Greg | Homepage | 01.27.05 - 1:39 pm | #