There were many ways in which the Telecommunications Act of 1996 were significant in influencing mass media. This piece of legislation was enacted during the Clinton Administration, and was primarily focused on deregulating the telecommunications industry. The act would have a major impact on the future of telecommunications, and it was also a important in acknowledging the impact of the internet on broadcasting and mass media. But the Telecomm Act would also allow for cross ownership in media, which has ultimately led to fewer independent news and media organizations. This has provided for a media landscape that is run by a small number of conglomerates. To me this seems to be a big shift in the ideals of what media was fundamentally built upon, that being to serve the people. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has allowed for a complete shift in what broadcast media aims to serve, as it seems today that they have the ability to control the news. This is done through large acquisitions of previously independent media organizations, thus allowing for smaller perspective on issues like world news, and political affiliation. Clearly you can see this by such bias media affiliations as Fox news to the Republican Party. So it seems today that there is much less objectivity because of the deregulation and other ramifications that were contributed by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
