CONTACT Michael Bracy FMC 202.331.2958 Jenny Toomey FMC 202.518.4117
Candice
Johnson, CWA 202.434.1347
Jeannine Kenney, Consumers Union 202.462.6262
Job Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation
Undermine
Localism and Diversity
Future of Music Coalition, Newspaper Guild-Communications
Workers of America and Consumers Union Urge FCC to Take Employment
Effects of Their Policies into Account During Upcoming Review of Media
Ownership Rules
WASHINGTON, DC – A study released
today by the Future of Music
Coalition (FMC) found that the vast majority of major U.S. cities has
experienced both layoffs and lower wage growth within the radio profession,
associated with the unprecedented consolidation of radio station ownership
over the last decade. The study also shows that the job losses in radio
impede federal policy mandates to promote localism and diversity in media.
“Consolidation in radio ownership hasn’t just homogenized
music formats,” said Jenny Toomey, musician and executive director
of the Future of Music Coalition, “it has devastated the broadcast
profession and virtually eliminated the ability of radio stations to
provide unique coverage of local news, music and community issues. Before
the FCC moves forward to further loosen already weak ownership limits,
it should understand the impact that deregulation has had on jobs and
communities.”
The study’s findings include:
The combined market share of the top four radio companies in each
local market increased by an average of 14.3 percent between 1993 and
2004 across 265 markets.
Cities with higher degrees of radio consolidation had greater job
losses among news reporters and broadcast technicians from 1996 to
2003.
Cities with higher degrees of radio consolidation experienced smaller
wage growth for DJs and news reporters from 1996 to 2003.
"This study by FMC once again shows what news professionals know
about consolidation of media ownership: It results in fewer newsroom
jobs and, as a result, fewer resources devoted to reporting the news,” noted
Linda Foley, president of The Newspaper Guild-CWA and vice president
of the Communications Workers of America. “No wonder radio news,
once the primary source of local news and information, has all but disappeared
from the American landscape."
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated the cap on the number of radio
stations one company, organization, or individual may own nationally, and
loosened limits on ownership of stations within a single market. Radio
companies claimed ownership limits prevented them from taking advantage of “economies
of scale.”
The FMC study, entitled The Employment
and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidation found that, since
1996, as radio companies have consolidated, they have cut costs by
centralizing some operations in distant markets, such as on air DJs,
programmers, reporters, and engineering or broadcast-technician jobs.
Among the practices the study identified that resulted in layoffs, depressed
wage growth, and reduced localism include: “voice tracking,” a
practice of using pre-recorded programming that replaces live and local
DJs; reduced ability of stations to conduct emergency broadcast warnings;
increased use of nationalized music programming; and reduced local news
coverage.
“Voice tracking in particular has had a negative impact on employment,” Toomey
said, “but, much worse, it creates lasting damage to music communities. With
fewer local DJs and programmers, area musicians can’t get on the
air and listeners are deprived of local news and music.”
One of the nation’s leading consumer organizations expressed similar
concerns:
“Fewer real people doing less local news undermines diversity
of viewpoints in local media,” said Gene Kimmelman, vice president
of Consumers Union. “That’s a clear signal that allowing
fewer owners of our local media is dangerous to our democracy".
The 1996 Telecommunications Act requires that the FCC review its media
ownership regulations every three years. In June 2006, the FCC
opened another media ownership proceeding, seeking public comment on
whether the existing ownership limits should be further loosened, a change
sought by the radio industry.
Based on the study’s findings, the FMC called on the FCC to recognize
the correlation between deregulation and job loss and slower wage growth
among radio employees as it debates whether to further loosen ownership
limits.
FMC also urged the FCC to complete its pending review of the impact of media
concentration on localism before moving forward with any changes on media
ownership limits. The Localism Task Force, launched two years ago, has yet
to produce a report or offer policy recommendations, even though promoting
localism is one of the FCC’s mandates.
The study, conducted by FMC Research Director Peter DiCola, relies on
data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment
Survey to measure employment in each of three radio professions (DJs,
news reporters, and broadcast technicians) in 246 cities over the years
1996 through 2003. Data on radio station ownership comes from BIA
Financial Networks’ Media Access Pro software. The correlation
between radio consolidation and job loss and between radio consolidation
and smaller wage growth emerge from statistical regressions that control
for the total number of stations in each city and for time trends.
The study, available on the FMC website, includes details on the legal
framework under which the FCC can begin to track job loss as one facet
of localism and diversity, on data sources, and on the statistical methods
used. The study will also be published later this year as a chapter in
the forthcoming Media Diversity and Localism by Lawrence Erlbaum
and Associates.
A similar study on jobs and diversity in the communications and media
sector by Institute for Women’s Policy Research also corroborates
FMC’s findings on job losses and depressed wage growth. This study,
entitled “Making the Right Call”, can be found at http://www.iwpr.org/pdf/C364.pdf.
About the Future of Music Coalition
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research
and advocacy organization that identifies, examines, interprets and translates
the challenging issues at the intersection of music, law, technology
and policy. FMC achieves this through continuous interaction with its
primary constituency – musicians – and in collaboration with
other creator/citizen groups.
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC’s Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality;
joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
