Frank Rich, in a recent essay in the NY Times, makes an interesting analogy between the Matrix and the present (and future) consolidation of media ownership. We are in a matrix of integrated media such that, while two-thirds of the population can't name ANY Democratic candidates for president, ninety-five percent know about the Matrix Reloaded. How? Well, "Entertainment Weekly itself, an AOL Time Warner publication ... ran two cover stories on "The Matrix Reloaded" in a single month," that's how. And this is an "itty-bitty" example of how the system works.

At the local level, we can see it happening. The Sacramento Bee reported today that KWOD was purchased by a Pennsylvania media conglomerate, Entercom. The fact that the owner is no longer local, but based on the east coast, is matter enough for concern (another blow to localism). What's more troubling is that Entercom also owns KRXQ, KSEG, and KDND --all in Sacramento. Entercom spokesman, John Geary, was clear that this serves as an efficiency for them so they can essentially run four stations with the same staff. Not only is there constriction of editorial, managerial, and artistic control which are all bads, but a bunch of folks lost their jobs in the bargain. So much for the Bushie's notions of job creation!

I imagine Michael Powell hacking into the system to tell us while there is no spoon, there is greater freedom in the market place. Whoa.