Media fusion suppresses freedom of expression
In the realm of communication, the breakup of AT&T's monopoly in 1984 marked a significant turning point. This event led to an explosion of carriers and, in turn, a surge in innovation. The story of AT&T serves as a reminder that competition can foster progress (1-2).
However, history has shown us that the concentration of power in the hands of a few can pose a threat to free speech. This was evident in the Roman Empire, where philosopher Cicero warned against the erosion of free speech, fearing it would lead to a repressive society ruled by a singular voice (3-4).
Fast forward to the present day, and the media industry is once again facing consolidation. Skydance's acquisition of Paramount and Nexstar's interest in Tegna indicate that more mergers are on the horizon (5). This consolidation, similar to the AT&T monopoly, could potentially limit free speech by concentrating power in the hands of a few (6-7).
The danger lies not only in the potential harm to innovation but also in the restriction on speech. In a consolidated media landscape, the decision of what is appropriate to broadcast, aggregate online, post, or publish may lie in the hands of a few private citizens, such as corporate executives, editors, platform moderators, and algorithm designers (8). These decision-makers operate within private companies rather than parliaments or public bodies.
The American founders, leaning on the teachings of French philosopher Montesquieu, emphasised the importance of separating the power of judging from the legislative and executive to prevent tyranny (9). The consolidation of media threatens to give the illusion of choice when it comes to free speech, as the people may only have an illusion of freedom (10).
Interestingly, the Trump administration, while advocating for free speech on the international stage, faced criticism for its handling of free speech at home (11). The fall of the Roman Empire and the breakup of AT&T serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the potential dangers of media being controlled by a few conglomerates (12).
In the tech industry, Apple's latest smartphone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, has been generating buzz due to its advanced telephoto lens, large display, and battery life (13). As investors look to keep up with competitors, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence, the future of communication technology promises to be an exciting one. However, it is crucial that we remain vigilant in safeguarding free speech in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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