THE TITLE (teleconned?) You won't find the word teleconned in any dictionary -- at least not yet. But perhaps in the future your children will reference this entry for late-twentieth century radio jargon and discover a definition such as "getting screwed over by a hidden policy or law [refer to 1996 Telecom Act]." Make no mistake about it, we, as a nation, got teleconned with the enactment of one of the most sweeping rules in communications history. What was lauded as a landmark piece of rulemaking for cellular phones, digitial television and satellite broadcasting was realized for the blight it is on the radio horizon when mega-media corporations were allowed to buy up over 43% of all commercial stations in the U.S. (as of this writing) with nary a blink of the eye from the U.S. Department of Justice or Federal Trade Commission. This free-for-all market quickly escalated prices of radio real estate and effectively shut out the independent community-oriented broadcasters to make 'radio diversity' a term that only the very wealthy could afford to speak. That is why Americans for Radio Diversity was founded in March of 1997 by a group of concerned radio listeners. What was once the public trust (our airwaves) was being parcelled out and sold off to the highest bidder with no regard for the rightful owners -- the American people. As an American, you have to ask yourself: Am I OK with this consolidation in the hands of the few? Am I, as a member of the public interest, being served? If your answer is anything but a complete agreement shouted blindly into the ether, you need to get involved. At the very least, learn a little bit more about the issues surrounding radio and microbroadcasting and then write a letter to the FCC -- they DO read them -- stating your concerns and wishes. You might also wish to contact your elected officials and urge them to take a stand on radio consolidation. Support your local community station by becoming a member. If your time and resources permit, offer to volunteer for your community station (they will appreciate the help!) Learn about and support the microbroadcasting movement. Above all, become an active listener, not just a marketable demographic! The airwaves belong to each and every one of us -- and we want them back!

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