Public matters in communication policymaking : the media ownership debate, 2002-2007
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
- This dissertation critiques the prevailing logics that shape public participation in rulemaking at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Influenced by deliberative democratic theory, it argues that an FCC which values public acceptance of its actions shares a responsibility alongside civil society actors and media institutions to welcome, speak with, and answer to publics in communication policy debates. It develops a system of participation that relies on support structures both inside and outside the agency which prioritize inclusive public discussions and which facilitate translation between publics, policymakers, and other stakeholders in rulemaking debate. Using the above framework, which I refer to as a "deliberative model of participation, " this inquiry turns to the case of the media ownership debate. Between the years 2002 and 2007, the FCC conducted two landmark proceedings concerning regulations that limit concentration of ownership in broadcast media. Using interview materials with commissioners and permanent staff as well as FCC, press, and civil society documents, this analysis shows that the complementary efforts of minority leadership at the agency and media reform groups gave new visibility to publics in a rulemaking environment that typically constrains citizen involvement. They engaged in translational activities that educated publics and policymakers, summarized public opposition to media concentration, and amplified public concern to policymakers at the FCC. Though ownership rules were relaxed, the FCC was compelled to explain its decisions and its manner of interactions with publics and to shift its participatory strategies. The analysis suggests that translation is both a process and an outcome and that a fairer, more just framework for participation requires a deeper commitment to citizen-centered debate. The agency needs to commit to new practices that privilege citizens' collective consideration of policy problems and solutions. In line with its discretionary power to enhance notice-and-comment procedures, the agency can—and must—offer a more inclusive environment that supports the communicative actions of publics.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Form | electronic; electronic resource; remote |
| Extent | 1 online resource. |
| Publication date | 2011 |
| Issuance | monographic |
| Language | English |
Creators/Contributors
| Associated with | Gangadharan, Seeta Peña, 1974- |
|---|---|
| Associated with | Stanford University, Department of Communication |
| Primary advisor | Glasser, Theodore Lewis |
| Thesis advisor | Glasser, Theodore Lewis |
| Thesis advisor | Bailenson, Jeremy |
| Thesis advisor | Ho, Daniel E |
| Thesis advisor | Turner, Fred |
| Advisor | Bailenson, Jeremy |
| Advisor | Ho, Daniel E |
| Advisor | Turner, Fred |
Subjects
| Genre | Theses |
|---|
Bibliographic information
| Statement of responsibility | Seeta Peña Gangadharan. |
|---|---|
| Note | Submitted to the Department of Communication. |
| Thesis | Thesis (Ph.D.)--Stanford University, 2011. |
| Location | electronic resource |
Access conditions
- Copyright
- © 2011 by Seeta Peña Gangadharan
- License
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-NC).
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