PJ Media

Jim C., I would say that any organization whose entire board consisted of Presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate is by definition “government-controlled.” But I don’t believe it even takes that much for an entity to be “government-controlled.” I am also referring to the government’s ability to influence the content by creating a fearful environment in which there are unacceptable consequences to airing material the public wants that politicians from their own self-interests don’t. To a large extent, I would say that even the TV networks are government-controlled as their need to get their broadcast licenses renewed has clearly led them to watered-down coverage of government as compared to what Jefferson would have liked. Compare the political discussion on regulated broadcast TV vs. relatively unregulated cable — the political talk on cable is much “hotter,” much more critical of government. And obviously, radio was government-controlled during the era of the Fairness Doctrine. Its lapse led to much freer speech and the explosion of talk radio.