The Public Establishment of Television: A Liberal Fantasy Gone Wrong

Imagine a world where the government controls what you watch on TV. Sounds like a dystopian novel, right? Well, that's exactly what happened when the public establishment of television took root in the mid-20th century. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was established in 1934 to regulate interstate communications, including television. The idea was to ensure that the airwaves, a public resource, were used in the public interest. But what started as a noble cause quickly turned into a bureaucratic nightmare, stifling innovation and limiting free speech.

The public establishment of television was supposed to be a beacon of unbiased information and educational content. Instead, it became a tool for the government to push its own agenda. The FCC, with its power to grant and revoke licenses, effectively controlled what could and couldn't be broadcast. This led to a homogenization of content, with networks too afraid to push boundaries or challenge the status quo. The result? A bland, sanitized version of reality that did little to inform or educate the public.

The rise of public television networks like PBS was hailed as a victory for the people. But let's be honest, how many of us actually tune in to watch a documentary on the mating habits of the North American squirrel? Public television, funded by taxpayer dollars, often produces content that appeals to a niche audience, rather than the general public. It's a classic case of the government thinking it knows what's best for us, when in reality, it's out of touch with what people actually want to watch.

The public establishment of television also stifled competition. With the government controlling the airwaves, it was nearly impossible for new players to enter the market. This led to a monopoly of sorts, with a few major networks dominating the industry. It wasn't until the rise of cable television and the internet that we saw a true diversification of content. But even then, the FCC continued to impose regulations that hindered growth and innovation.

The argument for public television is that it provides educational content that commercial networks wouldn't. But in today's digital age, where information is just a click away, do we really need the government to tell us what to watch? The internet has democratized information, allowing anyone with a smartphone to access a wealth of knowledge. The days of needing a government-funded network to educate the masses are long gone.

The public establishment of television is a relic of a bygone era. It's time to let go of the notion that the government knows best when it comes to what we watch. The free market has proven time and again that it can provide a diverse range of content that appeals to all tastes and interests. It's time to embrace the future and let the people decide what they want to watch, without government interference.

In the end, the public establishment of television was a well-intentioned idea that failed to deliver on its promises. It limited free speech, stifled innovation, and produced content that few people actually wanted to watch. It's time to move on and let the free market take the reins. After all, isn't that what freedom is all about?