Radio Censorship in America Strangles Freedom of Expression. Media Consolidation and Corporate Manipulation of the Press Keeps Americans Distracted and in the Dark.

Radio censorship is alive and well in the United States due to the unfortunate condition known as media consolidation, in which the thousands of radio stations across the country are owned by just a handful of media moguls. Absolute control is their goal.

With a click of a button, these radio stations can make or break bands, depending on whether they feel the band is worthy of radio airplay.

Unfortunately the decision to play a band's music or to refuse them airplay depends not on the quality of the music, but whether the band is mainstream enough in both their music and their message to reach a wide audience without offending anyone or stirring the waters.

Bands like the Dixie Chicks were banned from over 1000 Clear Channel radio stations, because the CEO did not agree with their opinion about George W. Bush and the Iraq War.

To censor someone's music because they hold a different viewpoint than your own is a clear sign of radio censorship. To put it in perspective, that's 110 million radio listeners who were not able to hear the music of the Dixie Chicks played on the air, all because they exercised their First Amendment right to free speech.

Meanwhile, artists like Eminem, are allowed to freely express their misogynistic and homophobic viewpoints without falling under the axe of radio censorship.

THE DANGERS OF MEDIA CONSOLIDATION

Media consolidation plays a huge role in radio censorship.

One of the problems with media consolidation is that it caters to the widest market possible, rather than allowing for the individual flavor of a region to shine through. There was a time in radio when DJs would be able to play the records of exciting new local artists, but in the age of corporate radio, those times are long gone.

Therefore the music that we hear on the radio is often bland and non-challenging. It is 'feel good' music that is designed to help people mindlessly glide through their day.

In between playing songs, the 'DJs' (if there are any, because some radio stations are fully automated from corporate headquarters) spout out little monologues and dialogues between songs and commercials. The DJs must keep their remarks in line with the beliefs of the corporate bosses, or they will be axed.

THE ROLE OF RADIO IN SHAPING OUR CULTURE

So many people, especially kids and commuters, listen to radio. Radio has the power to shape young minds (and mold old ones, also). When DJs spout their views over the air, people absorb those opinions either consciously or subconsciously.

Anyone who has the privilege of reaching thousands of people is in a position to make a mark on society. DJs and radio talk show hosts are limited to expressing viewpoints only allowed by their higher-ups. This means that the listeners are only hearing one side or position on any given story or issue.

So to repeat the example of Clear Channel, that boils down to 110 million listeners who will only hear the viewpoint held by those who run that corporation (who, incidentally, had strong ties to the Bush Administration).

Without diversity and local culture, radio has become another form of mindless entertainment that serves corporate interests and corporate advertisers rather than the needs of the local public. This results in a bland homogeneity of insipid songs that are played over and over again throughout the day.

COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

Radio is one of the mass media outlets that is controlled by the Council on Foreign Relations. The CFR is a private, highly-secretive organization whose members consist of high-ranking government officials, lawyers, bankers, business tycoons and media moguls.

The Council on Foreign Relations dictates American policies and positions at home and abroad. They also dictate what you will and won't see, hear or read on the radio, television, and newspapers.

Radio stations broadcast over public airwaves, yet this kind of stranglehold means that they don't serve the public interests. Instead they serve corporate needs and government interests.

If you have a local, independent radio station, listen to it and support it. They mostly survive from donations, grants and volunteers. Local radio stations are a great but sadly dwindling resource in America today.