Close the FCC
Federal Communications Commission
THE PAST
We’ve been following this rogue bureau for years. Here’s a recent piece [“Neutrally Yours”], or Google us for more.
THE PRESENT
Technically, the broadcast airwaves are owned by the public, but alternative access systems have reduced their value. The companies that are active in broadcasting own outlets where they can circumvent government censorship.
The FCC have failed to promote “Fairness,” partly due to shifty political winds. Their “Indecency” police are arbitrary, unfair and ineffective. The truth is that parents who want their children protected from “pornography” can restrict access to programming they consider objectionable. There are more suitable satellite channels for children than broadcast outlets offer, even when they try. Similar shortcomings are apparent in broadcast news and public-affairs programming.
Phone regulation has become unnecessary, with competition and innovation moving too rapid for any bureaucracy to contain. With satellite or cable necessary for quality reception, the FCC is an expensive anchor searching for something to sink, like the Internet.
The FCC recently voted themselves power over the Internet, justifying their action with the claim that something undesirable might occur some day. [Like government meddling?] There is no evidence to support the FCC’s fears, since the Internet keeps evolving to meet the needs of its users, without government interference. More important, history indicates that FCC authority will be detrimental. They have opened the door to censorship and federal taxation, shut it on an independent Internet.
This seizure of power follows attempts to regulate cable television and satellite radio.
Congress and the courts have rejected FCC bids to acquire these powers. If any regulator is needed, it is a body to oversee this rogue department. Say it with me, “Government is the root of all evil.”
Congress could cut the FCC budget by 90% to let the agency find its niche, specify cuts or eliminate the entire entity. No one would miss it, except businesses accustomed to getting special treatment and FCC employees enjoying the government’s largess.
Savings for the next fiscal year: $352,500,000
Over ten years, about four billion dollars.
This is the first installment of a series on unnecessary federal bureaucracies whose demise would eliminate waste.
