Friday, January 21, 2005

Jon Stewart, Watch Your Back

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell plans to step down from the job he's held for four years. That's the rumor this a.m.

The man who brought us record fines against broadcasting, topping $7.7 million in 2004, and ushered in a new culture of censorship. Under Powell's leadership, some TV stations were afraid to show "Saving Private Ryan" on Memorial Day, lest someone object.

The irony is that Michael Powell is probably, as things go today in the reign of King George, the "moderate." What follows him into the chairmanship of the F.C.C.? It won't be a moderate, if El Presidente adheres to the pattern he's already set for second-term appointments. It'll be a good buddy who'll do what he's told.

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