Googlizing the Wireless Spectrum
With the admission that I'm not sure exactly why it's a good idea, Google's new plan to auction off wireless spectrum using the same model it uses to auction its advertising space is at least neat in concept. The wireless spectrum is made up of the radio frequencies that everything from television stations to cell phones to wireless Internet routers run on. It belongs to the American public and the government manages it on our behalf (aka "the public airwaves.") At least, that's one way of looking at it, and one that hasn't been too popular in Washington lately. The competing view -- that the 'public' airwaves should go to the highest bidder -- is why a company like Clear Channel can own up to one million (more or less) radio stations in each market from coast to coast.
Congress decided a while back that television broadcasting in the U.S. must be digital by 2009. As part of that plan, a wide swath of speedy and strong radio spectrum will be handed back to the FCC. Google is more or less in the micro-advertising business, and has figured out a way to monetize those tiny nooks of space alongside your search results or in a blog ad bar. So today Google asked the Federal Communications Commission to adopt plan similar to that ad system, whereby anyone who owns giant chunks of spectrum could dole out smaller chunks on the fly. Why's that important? Innovation, for one thing. High-quality spectrum could help spread the bounty of the Internet to places in this country that haven't yet joined the broadband revolution.
- FILED UNDER: Editor Posts
- May 22, 2007
Rachel Maddow - blog? comments?
Rachel is fabulous as always, but if I want to ask or comment specifically on her show, is this the right place?
Looking forward to Kushner piece, even if it's one of those dreaded interviews so hated by people who can't figure out where their off button is.
Thank you, Rachel, for being one of two fabulous daily shows in the new lineup. You and Thom Hartmann are so incredibly knowledgeable, educated and relevant I have no idea what I'd do without either of you.
Then there's Sam...why can't he switch back with Lionel? I'm not happy with only a weekend show. I don't listen to Lionel.
Then there's Randi. If she hates Mark Green so much, WHY DOESN'T SHE QUIT THE ORGANIZATION? I am sick of her stupid, overinflated ego. I already know the issues she brings to the show. She is a distraction and not someone with anything to offer.
For Randi fans who bitch and moan even more than the malcontent herself, why don't you all leave together? I have no problem finding Nova M. I listen to both - are there people who can't figure out their internets or something?
Randi
Spending the day researching and telling the truth is nothing to offer? You must be one of those quiet mousey women who are afraid of anything loud and belligerent. We arent going to destroy these neocons being quiet and nice.
Rachel Maddow's blog
Hey, Samantha. Looks like Rachel has her blog up and running on her show site.
Taring down Randi will not help Rachel, Sam.
I like Rachel too, but this is not the way to support her, it will only hurt the station.
Here are the facts of life little girl.
http://talkingradio.blogspot.com/2007/04/randi-rhodes-is-now-top-lib-tal...
If she goes, she takes MOST of the listeners in the country in her timeslot with her.
You talk about distraction? What a divisive little troll tactic you are using here.
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." - Frank Zappa
Silence = Acquiescence
Randi is on contract -- so of course if she quit it would save
Mark Green money.
I know that as a listener, I don't listen to anyone other than Randi or Thom Hartmann.
AAR -- get a CLUE. I don't WANT to be ENTERTAINED by some talking head - I want DISCUSSION and EDUCATION.
If Randi goes, you can kiss this *progressive* network goodbye. She's the passionate heart of what made AAR, right from the start.
Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear. -- Thomas Jefferson
Submitted by HobbitGoddess on May 23, 2007 - 9:03am
You don't listen to Rachel? WTF?
On some great & glorious day the plain folks will reach their hearts desire at last, & the White House will be adorned by a downright moron. - H.L. Mencken
I TRY to, but many times I cannot
Believe it or not, despite the trolls screaming otherwise - I DO have a schedule in my life. ;-P
Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear. -- Thomas Jefferson
I can't figure out whether or not this was his intent from the
beginning.
The way he purchased and then started systematically dismantling the progressive heart of the station reeks of Bilderberger influence.
Hartmann is probably next, unless he caves (I did hear him quasi-endorse Clinton yesterday). Canary in the coalmine?
Damned shame. I will miss blogging here.
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." - Frank Zappa
Silence = Acquiescence
Center -- there are plenty of other good Dem sites to discuss
politics. I spend most of my time on several others, and I find MORE information, more discussion without the many reichpublican trolls jumping in.
Perhaps if the AAR webmaster had done ANYTHING to keep out the trolls, some of the missing original posters would still be here. I came here because I was reading the people who were sharing information and viewpoints.
Again, it's another bad step down the road to mediocrity. I notice miss samantha didn't answer my question yet.
Silence is an answer too ;-)
Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear. -- Thomas Jefferson
Patience - she works nights Hobby. :-)
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." - Frank Zappa
Silence = Acquiescence
Samantha -- do you WORK for Mark Green?
Valid question -- can you answer it?
Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear. -- Thomas Jefferson
My thoughts exactly Hobbs.
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." - Frank Zappa
Silence = Acquiescence
It won't be answered honestly
I personally hope that Sam joins Mike on NovaM. And you know if Randi leaves that great sucking sound you will hear next will be the longtime listeners following her. Then AAR will become just another pile of static on the air.
It's terribly sad for those of us who have been loyal since the beginning.
Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear. -- Thomas Jefferson
any network that has a
any network that has a lineup like maddow, hartman, randi, seder and malloy would win my heart and my dollars for years to come. but as things are right now, i feel like a royal family has been divided. and so goes the listerners and ratings.
Worst President Ever!
For Randi fans who bitch and
You ask: "For Randi fans who bitch and moan even more than the malcontent herself, why don't you all leave together?"
Sounds alot like "America, love it or leave it."
And, since you are "sick of her stupid, overinflated ego," maybe you should take your own advice and listen to something somewhere else...
Submitted by Samantha Mason on May 22, 2007 - 6:28pm
If you want to comment on Rachel's shows, click on her name at the top of the AAR homepage. This will take you to the Maddow blog. She's actually reads her blog, & sometimes submits comments & responses of her own.
On some great & glorious day the plain folks will reach their hearts desire at last, & the White House will be adorned by a downright moron. - H.L. Mencken
From what I read
The FCC can not auction off any public airwave, however, they could auction off the lease for that frequency. Google wants to be the middleman and rake the cream....good ol capitalism at it's best.
I am a big believer in the need for the Fairness Doctrine to be reinstated.
The Sherman Anti-trust Act should be used to break up the monopolies currently holding our public airwaves hostage.
If Murdoch is backing Hillary this time, when is FAUX Noise going to flip to the left?
True PB. They are only leased. An auction is a good idea
IMO. Sealed bidding restricts transparency and only ends in corruption.
I don't think they will "break up" the media monoply per se, but they should limit the number of stations one entity can own, and try to soften the strangle hold by folks like Murdoch by regulating multimedia corporations.
Murdoch and Hillary: Politics does make strange bedfellows. It will be interesting to see how THAT one plays out.
Goddamned Bilderbergers...it just never ends.
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." - Frank Zappa
Silence = Acquiescence