Media Influence and the Modern American Democracy: Why the First Amendment Compels Regulation of Media Ownership

Authors

Sean Michael McGuire, State of Minnesota

Abstract

The article argues that the First Amendment necessitates government regulation of media ownership to safeguard democracy. It posits that while the First Amendment initially protected against government interference, evolving societal and technological changes require active regulation to ensure a diverse "marketplace of ideas." The author contends that without such regulation, media consolidation leads to a decline in viewpoint diversity, diminished content quality, and undue corporate influence, undermining democratic discourse.

Disciplines

Communications Law | First Amendment | Law

Recommended Citation

Sean M. McGuire, Media Influence and the Modern American Democracy: Why the First Amendment Compels Regulation of Media Ownership, 4 Cardozo Pub. L. Pol’y & Ethics J. 689 (2006).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cplpej/vol4/iss3/5