Media Reform Daily: Bigger and Badder?

Jay OwenWealth of Networks

 

Media Reform Daily

News of the movement for April 26, 2013

 

Journalism and Beyond

Sinclair Broadcast Group: Bigger and Badder?

Today in fat-cat consolidation news comes a report that Sinclair Broadcast Group is on the verge of owning more TV stations in the U.S. than any other company.

Amy Kroin, Free Press

The Newsonomics of the Koch Brothers and the Sales of the U.S.’ Top Metros

Will some of America’s top newspapers find themselves bought by owners motivated by political ideology more than civic duty?

Ken Doctor, Nieman Journalism Lab

AP Tweet That Rattled Stock Markets Exposes Media Vulnerability

The news media are relying more on social media — both as a reporting tool and to disseminate their own content. But a hack of the AP Twitter account shows how things can go wrong.

Daniel B. Wood, Christian Science Monitor

New York Times to Refine Subscription Model in Wake of Sliding Ad Revenue

If you’re an avid reader of the New York Times, you’re probably already familiar with its complex subscription model, which offers reading options ranging in price between $15 and $35 per month. Yes, it’s sometimes costly to stay in the loop, but on the upside of the paywall, company CEO Mark Thompson says that readers will soon find a wider array of content packages, including less expensive options.

Zachary Lutz, Engadget

Future of the Internet

Google Fiber Scares Old-School Net Providers Into Action

Entrenched broadband providers like Verizon, Time Warner Cable and Comcast have been slow to respond to the threat posed by Google Fiber, the ultra-high-speed Internet service that the search giant is rolling out in Kansas City. But the giants are finally starting to awaken since Google announced that it is expanding into other markets, including Austin, Texas, and Provo, Utah.

Klint Finley, Wired

Time Warner Cable in Austin Sees New Google Fiber, Raises with Free Wi-Fi?

We’re not really sure how to read Time Warner Cable’s announcement: The company will be expanding its free-for-subscribers Wi-Fi network across the Texas capital and other cities nationwide in response to Google Fiber’s Texas arrival in 2014. It seems like a clear case of too little, too late.

Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica

NYC’s Free Subway Wi-Fi Faster Than Home Broadband

New York City’s ancient subway system is getting a much-needed high-tech upgrade with the rollout of 4G LTE and free Wi-Fi connectivity at 30 subway platforms, including Times Square, Union Square and Columbus Circle. Providers include each of the big four U.S. carriers and Boingo Wireless.

Daniel P. Howley, LAPTOP

Stop the Koch Brothers

The bankrupt Tribune Company is selling its daily newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. Charles and David Koch — billionaire brothers notorious for their extreme politics — may be the buyers. Tell the Tribune Co.: Don’t sell your papers to the Koch brothers.

Upcoming Events

L.A. Media Reform Group Summit

April 27: Los Angeles, Calif.

2013 Alliance for Community Media Annual Conference

May 29: San Francisco, Calif.

2013 National Federation of Community Broadcasters Community Radio Conference

May 29-June 1: San Francisco, Calif.

Allied Media Conference 2013

June 20-June 23: Detroit, Mich.

Netroots Nation 2013 Conference

June 20-June 23: San Jose, Calif.

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