INVISIBLE HANDS OR PUBLIC SPHERES? THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR U.S. BROADCAST POLICY

U.S. broadcasting policy is informed by two divergent theoretical traditions, one relating to neoliberal market theory, the other relating to the notion of a public sphere. As a result, problems in developing normative guidelines and implementing consistent policy measures have reoccurred throughout the history and within the politics of policy and regulation. This article examines these philosophical underpinnings and their relative advantages and disadvantages as normative guidelines for communications policy. Based on this examination and its application to a recent FCC rulemaking, the authors conclude that a foundation built on public sphere theory is more appropriate than market theory for the future development of communications policy in the United States.