56 minutes, 1988 Producer: On Television, Ltd., Director: Mary Magee
ABOUT THE FILM
DISCONTINUED
Public Trust or Private Property poses the key question underlying 50 turbulent years of U.S. communications policy. Most viewers will be surprised to learn that they, the public, own the airwaves. But the Communication Act of 1934 authorizes the licensing of commercial broadcasters to develop this scarce national resource in exchange for serving "the public interest, convenience and necessity."
Former Reagan FCC commissioner Mark Fowler and heads of the three networks assert that the public's interest is what interests the public. Media reformers Henry Geller, Ralph Nader, Fred Friendly, Dr. C. Everett Parker and Senators Tim Wirth and Ernest Hollings respond that in a democracy, information is too important simply "to be bait to get viewers to look at commercials."
Public Trust or Private Property tests these competing claims through three in-depth case studies. The first analyzes the merger mania sweeping the television industry resulting in the sale of all three networks. In congressional testimony, network executives declare they will not sacrifice public service programming for increased profits. But news anchors reveal deep cuts in their budgets and pressure for more soft news, "more heat and less light," as one puts it.
The film examines license renewal through the 1963 case of WLBT in Jackson, Mississippi. WLBT refused to sell time to black candidates or to cover the Civil Rights Movement while airing Ku Klux Klan programs, even though Jackson's Population was almost 50% black. after a Vigorous public interest campaign, for the first and only time a station's license renewal was denied for ignoring community needs. WLBT later became the first minority-owned television station in the country.
Public Trust or Private Property explains the Fairness Doctrine through the 1984 case of WTVH, a Syracuse New York station which ran ads favoring nuclear power plant construction. A local peace group petitioned the FCC which told the station to produce a series of spots advocation the opposing viewpoint.
The only overview of U.S. television policy, Public Trust or Private Property is indispensable viewing for all students of Mass Communications, Broadcasting, Communications Law and Government, as well as any citizen concerned about the future of telecommunications.
CRITICAL COMMENT
"Lays out the issues clearly and strongly..."
Bill Moyers
"Goes to the heart of the political and economic issues surrounding television, the owner's right to make money versus the viewer's right to diverse programming."
The New York Times
"Not only frames the debate, but shows how viewers at home can participate...A serious effort to deal with a serious problem."
Newsday
"An important education for America's families. If parents and teachers act on its message, television could become a valuable educational tool for young audiences."
