Star on the Horizon: The Emergence of the Direct Broadcast Satellite in American Mass Communications.
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to describe the concept of broadcasting from satellites directly to the viewer equipped with a small, inexpensive receiving antenna, and the evolution of this technology as a means of commercial broadcast. Emphasis is place on the problems of developing a regulatory framework for DBS by the Federal Communications Commission. The opposition of the existing broadcasters to the unregulated development of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) is explored in light of the possible effect that DBS may have on the economic base, audience, and advertising revenue of existing broadcasters. The information for this study was obtained from government documents, legal journals, books and the popular press. Two basic conclusions are drawn from this study: First, that the existing broadcasters have opposed the 'marketplace' development of DBS, and second, that DBS does not pose as great a threat, at least in the near term, as the broadcasters fear. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 21, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA148819
Entities
People
- J. H. Thomas