W$J wrong on FCC stance

Regrettably, the Wall Street Journal seems out of touch with much of America when it states that “a la carte pricing bears little relationship to the issue of violent television programming” (FCC TV, May 23, 2007). Suggesting that war scenes from a History Channel documentary or shark/lion feeding scenes in a Discovery Channel program come anywhere close to the gratuitous sex and violence that permeates commercial television today is disingenuous. The WSJ editorial further asserts that Federal Communications Commission recommendations for a la carte consumer choice would constitute an unwarranted attempt by the government to “dictate a private sector business model.” We ask our government to do that all the time. Have you noticed the seat belts and air bags in your car?

He's Got it Right!

Unlike my bride, I am not a huge fan of presidential candidate John Edwards. I was particularly taken aback by his position that we should pay homage to veterans by withdrawing our troops from Iraq. An Associated Press story on May 22 quoted American Legion national commander Paul Morin saying that's as "inappropriate as a political bumper sticker on an Arlington headstone." He’s right. And while I am a veteran, I am not a member of the American Legion – but I think Morin's assessment is on target.

Nonetheless, on a related topic, I believe Edwards got something exactly right.The former North Carolina senator reportedly said we should all be "thinking about" some level of mandatory public service obligation, so that everybody in America has an opportunity to serve their country. This is an idea whose time is long overdue.

Rather than just "thinking" about it, I hope Edwards and other candidates will put their weight behind this noble concept. I'd like to see a two or three-year public service obligation for all able-bodied citizens. Their service could be in the military, the Peace Corps, or a similar domestic public service activity. The Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s was conceived for different purposes, but its impact was positive and lasting.

Universal public service is a good idea. Now we need to move it from a concept to a reality.

To Bundle, or Not to Bundle

The Federal Communicationse Commission has just released a report that reveals -- not surprisingly -- a significant increase in television violence.

And while I didn't become violent last week when I encountered some unexpected "adult content" on our televison, it did rekindle some long-time beliefs that support the concept of "unbundling" television program packages. Basically, that means subscribers should be able to choose only the channels they want in their home package, rather than paying for a bunch of channels they don't want.

By the way, the culprit channel noted above was one of the HBO channels. I didn't stick around long enough to see which one. I'm not a fan of Deadwood or most other HBO programs, but I am aware they've done some good programming -- albeit not enough for me to justify paying for it. Our HBO channels were thrown in as a temporary "freebie" -- part of the incentive to make us new subscribers to Midcontinent Cable in South Dakota.

About "bundling" and "unbundling" channels: parents of young children may enjoy having Disney, Discovery, and the Cartoon Channel, but they may have no desire for VH1, MTV, and Comedy Central. The fact is, their cable or satellite subscription bundles all of these together, and customers can either take it or leave it. If they take it, they're not only paying for what they want, but a lot of channels they don't want, too.

The technology is readily available to provide unbundled services, although cable and satellite services bemoan the fact that it will cost them money to implement such changes.

Cable has long been criticized, justifiably, for poor customer service. And while they've worked hard to overcome this stigma, it still haunts them. It's about to hit them over the head again big time, if they don't quickly come to the realization that there is rapidly growing public support for "unbundling."

I'm delighted that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is among those pushing for such unbundling. Other commissioners are supportive, as well. However, the real catalyst is a growing groundswell of public sentiment that cries for greater responsibility and accountability in the corporate offices of major cable and satellite service companies.

While parents and other care providers have prime responsibility to monitor television viewing by young children, television executives have some responsibility, too. In this instance, they also have an opportunity to be the "good guys" and take the initiative to support parents and provide ALL consumers with what they want.

Increasingly, consumers want "unbundled" services that can be selected "a 'la carte."

Let's hope cable television executives aren't asleep at the switch again.

Eddie Clay named to Hall of Fame

When Karen and I retired to the beautiful Black Hills, one of the first people I looked forward to visiting with again was Eddie Clay. I first knew Eddie in the 1980s when he was Chairman of the South Dakota Board for Educational Telecommunications and I worked for SDPB in Vermillion. He's one of those remarkable individuals who seems to thrive on activity. I believe the Energizer bunny was modeled after Eddie Clay.

Most people throughout the southern Hills region know Eddie and his delightful wife Clara. Residents of Hot Springs for more than half a century, there is hardly any aspect of positive civic life untouched by Eddie and/or Clara. So it was fitting this week that the South Dakota Hall of Fame should name Eddie Clay as one of 13 inductees for 2007.

I had heard that Eddie was being selected, but I didn't know it was in the Unsung Heroes category. While that certainly fits, he could have been chosen for any one of several categories. Governmental Affairs for his service locally and in the legislature. Communications for his leadership with South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Education & Cultural Affairs for his vision and contribution to the Mammoth Site and Mount Rushmore. Business & Trade for his many years of successful ventures with Fall River Abstract. And the list goes on.

Truth be known -- and Eddie would echo this loudly, I'm sure -- the award is as much for Clara Clay. Her own significant contributions and involvements in the community and across the region merit recognition -- and her steadfast devotion to Eddie and the partnership they've enjoyed through the years serves as a model for many of us. Much more information about Eddie will be posted in the local and statewide media in the days to come. This is a richly-deserved award. I am proud to know Eddie, Clara, and their daughter Bobbi. Those of us who know the Clay family understand why Eddie was chosen, and we offer our warmest congratulations to them all!