Deregulation and the Market Failure in Minority Programming: The Socioeconomic Dimensions of Broadcast Reform

While television viewing by minorities is increasing dramatically, the medium is becoming less responsive to their needs. The author postulates that the government's traditional regulatory concern for the rights and perspectives of minorities is being outweighed by a deregulatory trend in television. He notes that the Federal Communications Commission is increasingly permitting the marketplace to shape programming choices-minorities, however, are least able to influence programming through the marketplace. The author uses empirical and theoretical evidence to examine whether an unregulated marketplace would provide minority-responsive programming.

He concludes by recommending market mechanisms, such as tax incentives for minority-responsive programming, to facilitate minority participation.