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Deregulation is a popular term that's used across the…

“Deregulation is a popular term that's used across the political spectrum. And it's one of these terms like "choice," that corporate interests have used because they know their focus-group buzzword testing makes it sound like a popular word. Because, who can be against deregulation? Being free…” quote by Robert Waterman McChesney
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“Deregulation is a popular term that's used across the political spectrum. And it's one of these terms like "choice," that corporate interests have used because they know their focus-group buzzword testing makes it sound like a popular word. Because, who can be against deregulation? Being free, having liberty, not having someone tell you what to do, being deregulated, hey, that sounds great. But deregulation is a non sequitur in the realm of media policy or media regulation. The issue is never regulation versus deregulation; our entire system is built on media policies and subsidies.”

Robert Waterman McChesney

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Deregulation is presented as a buzzword for freedom, but media systems rely on regulation and subsidies, making the term misleading in this context.

In simple terms: The term sounds appealing but ignores the need for media regulation.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that media policy requires balanced regulation.

Themes

media policy regulation political rhetoric corporate influence

Mood

critical analytical skeptical

Type

analytical critical policy

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • legislative hearings
  • media organization strategy
  • public advocacy

Key Concepts

public subsidies media economics policy analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does deregulation affect media diversity?
  • What safeguards are needed when reducing regulation?
A Different Perspective

The appeal of “freedom” can oversimplify complex regulatory needs.

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