1. The Folly of ’96: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 Drew McLaughlin COMM 115

2. Why I Chose this Topic? Relevant to today’s world Relevant to today’s world Prior knowledge of subject matter from Intro class. Prior knowledge of subject matter from Intro class. I conducted my research primarily through online databases through the Library I conducted my research primarily through online databases through the Library Pulled in some outside sources off Google Pulled in some outside sources off Google From a list of 15 sources, I utilized four jornal articles From a list of 15 sources, I utilized four jornal articles

3. The Telecommunications Act of ‘96 Hallmark of the Clinton presidency Hallmark of the Clinton presidency Clinton saw the need to revise mass communication law which was established in 1934. Clinton saw the need to revise mass communication law which was established in 1934. Evolution of the Internet a major factor. Evolution of the Internet a major factor. Meant to reduce regulatory framework in the Telecommunications industry; increase competition Meant to reduce regulatory framework in the Telecommunications industry; increase competition

4. Effects of the ’96 Act Did not spur competition; increased coercion Did not spur competition; increased coercion Duopolies sprung up nationwide Duopolies sprung up nationwide FCC failed to inhibit growth of these duopolies FCC failed to inhibit growth of these duopolies Mergers and acquisitions contributed to the ever growing conglomerates Mergers and acquisitions contributed to the ever growing conglomerates Consumer Cost? Higher prices, and little alternatives Consumer Cost? Higher prices, and little alternatives Innovation in technology stalled Innovation in technology stalled

5. My Position The ’96 Act was a good idea in theory The ’96 Act was a good idea in theory Failed to achieve many of its goals Failed to achieve many of its goals Free-market competition never materialized, especially among cable companies Free-market competition never materialized, especially among cable companies Benefits to the American public decreased rather than increased Benefits to the American public decreased rather than increased Deregulatory framework gave birth to duopolies which strangle customers. (Sirius & XM merger) Deregulatory framework gave birth to duopolies which strangle customers. (Sirius & XM merger)

6. Looking Forward The ’96 Act is flawed but salvageable The ’96 Act is flawed but salvageable Congress must re-write the law Congress must re-write the law ensure that a free market driven by staunch competition and innovation will fulfill the promise of the ’96 Act ensure that a free market driven by staunch competition and innovation will fulfill the promise of the ’96 Act

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