Clear as mud: FOX Network's agreement to provide Clear Channel radio with news puts listeners at loss

Your editorial under the heading "Clear as mud" was aptly titled because it's difficult to see how the agreement between FOX Network and Clear Channel radio hurts the "marketplace of ideas". Although I have not lived in East Lansing for several years, I believe students still have a wealth of news sources available. In addition to the State News, the marketplace offers the Lansing State Journal, Detroit Free Press, New York Times, and other newspapers from across the country and around the world. Besides print media, broadcast and cable television provide more hours of news than one can consume in any 24 hour period.

As far as radio, Clear Channel may dominate the local airwaves but it doesn't control the market. In fact, I have yet to live in a college town that did not have at least one station broadcasting National Public Radio whose news reports should provide enough of a left-leaning counterweight to FOX's slant. And don't forget about the growth of satellite radio with its 100-plus stations. Soon we'll be exposed to Howard Stern's uncensored views on many important social topics. What a treat.

All these options and I haven't mentioned the largest source of information in the history of mankind - the Internet. The news of the world at your fingertips. If FOX's pro-American bias seems too nationalistic, simply visit the web sites of the BBC, Reuters, or Al Jazeera. You'll hate your country in no time and be praising those valiant freedom fighters in the Middle East.
Finally, if you're still dissatisfied with your supply of news, manufacture your own. CBS News has an opening or, if you want something closer to home, join the blogosphere.

The marketplace of ideas hurting? That's news to me.

[Letter to the Editor - The State News - submitted 12/07/2004]