[cma-l] CR and the 50%

[Trevor Lockwood]

Terry et al

The present system is unworkable. Stations will continue to struggle, and face unfair competition from commercial stations who just want to make profits.

That pushes aside the pool of talent, the social gain, the building of community, the platform for public opinion and the experience gained from working/volunteering within the community sector into the economic shadows.

It's also allowed music, especially popular music, to dominate the medium. That's not to be dismissed but as a result speech radio, of the BBC R4 type, is largely ignored. Nobody reads. We live by soundbites. It's changing the way we think and act. Look at our politicians now in hi-vis jackets (a new one every time) running around to gain a few seconds of media time. The NME is about to fold, and many other magazines are decaying. We need replacements and CR is an obvious candidate.

In France community stations receive a guaranteed income, from taxation. Their value is recognised, and they play an active role in society. In the UK it's assumed that BBC local stations do that job - and that's not true. They are expensive, have what amounts to restrictive practices as presenters appear to have permanent sinecure, and live by phone-ins. If the money spent on BBC local stations was transferred to CR real progress will be made. 

People feel disenfranchised. Our parliamentary democracy amounts to a dictatorship. One vote with your chosen candidate losing does nothing to create community spirit.

In New England states many towns have a Town Meeting: residents voting to set budgets and agendas. CR could become the modern version. With commitment CR could play an essential role in society.

It's becoming a sector where egos can prance around depressing us all with their musical choices. It can do much more than that.

Trevor Lockwood 


www.trevorlockwood.com
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