Topic: Media Licensing

The FCC investigation into public media focuses on the licenses of 1,500 member stations rather than the networks directly. While NPR and PBS executives claim their underwriting complies with decades of guidelines, Chairman Carr has expressed a desire to eliminate all federal funding for public broadcasting. The hosts suggest this is part of a broader effort to use regulatory levers against mainstream media.

The CCP has announced new restrictions requiring Chinese social media users to obtain government licenses before commenting on politics, economics, or the military. The hosts also offer a critique of The Epoch Times' media presentations, suggesting they need more professional production despite their successful newspaper operations.

The current social pressure to wear masks is compared to the viral nature of the Ice Bucket Challenge, described as a form of self-moral licensing. In the Netherlands, masks are derogatorily referred to by some as "face diapers." An anecdote is shared about a woman being removed from a train in Rotterdam for a mask violation.

California's extensive use of license plate cameras and geolocation data from companies like Uber Media is discussed as a tool for tax enforcement. The Franchise Tax Board reportedly tracks former residents to ensure they do not spend enough time in the state to trigger income tax liability. Personal anecdotes describe state officials calling associates to verify an individual's whereabouts.

Dutch journalist Roderick Veelo reported on government efforts in the Netherlands to combat "fake news" through potential permit systems for social media companies. The proposal suggests that platforms like Facebook and Twitter may eventually require licenses to operate, which critics fear will lead to state-sanctioned reporting and the silencing of alternative media.

The EU resolution calls for increased financial support for "independent" media outlets and NGOs that align with EU values. The hosts argue that this is a move toward state-licensed journalism, where only pre-approved outlets receive funding. A minority opinion in the Parliament criticized the resolution for equating a sovereign state like Russia with a terrorist group like ISIS.

Both hosts express a deep-seated love for radio as a "theater of the mind" that requires no visual preparation. They discuss the importance of high-quality audio, citing an MIT Media Lab study which found that viewers perceive a television picture as being higher quality if the accompanying sound is superior. Dvorak recalls his time as a "hero" to sound engineers at TechTV for advocating for better microphones and audio processing.

Joe Rogan's new television show about investigating conspiracy theories is discussed, with the hosts suggesting such shows are often designed to "hedge" or marginalize alternative viewpoints. The possibility of future "media shield laws" requiring journalists to have licenses—similar to systems in Singapore or Brazil—is explored. A listener suggests declaring the podcast a religion to avoid government regulation.

The European Audiovisual Media Services Directive is being implemented in the Netherlands, requiring all "on-demand" video providers to register with the government. This includes any service with a "mass media character" that offers a catalog of videos for economic gain. The hosts view this as the beginning of a licensing system for blogs and podcasts, aimed at providing government oversight and fee collection.

The EU proposes the creation of independent media councils with the power to impose fines and remove "journalistic status," effectively creating a licensing system for reporters. The concept of "pluralism" is critiqued as a new form of multiculturalism that encourages social fragmentation while ensuring state control over the media landscape.

The No Agenda model is presented as the future of news because it relies on listener support rather than corporate advertisers who can exert pressure on content. Recent donations include support from Steve Taft for his 45th wedding anniversary and Sean Rice from Calgary. The hosts emphasize that independent funding allows for honest reporting that would otherwise be suppressed.