Right of the Dial: The Rise of Clear Channel and the Fall of Commercial Radio

This is an excellent look into how the signing of the "Telecommunication Act" in 1998 allowed a few company's to control the public air waves, concerts, artist and billboards. I have a first hand view of what is written in the book having been effected career and job wise by one company's ability to control a major portion of the stations and formats in major markets. This book is right on target and should be read by everyone in congress. The people have lost their local radio and the medium will never be the same. Alec Foege's book presents the nasty details and put's names behind Jacor and Clear Channels disgrace.

Alec Foege has written a well put together monograph on the closely related demise of commercial radio and the increasing influence of the giant Clear Channel organization. Though certainly not the only culprit in the destruction of our most intimate medium, the arrogant buffoons from San Antonio were not only at the wheel of the bus that ran over radio; they also backed it over most of the people who toil (or, toiled) in the audio trenches. What used to be a fun and romantic industry is now going the way of the Pony Express and Alec Foege points an accusing finger in the right direction. You can always tell when a business is taking the slide to oblivion. The bean counters are running the show.