by Doug Nufer

Micro news

Broadcasting & Cable is an industry magazine "committed to the First Amendment and the Fifth Estate" that caters to the interests of people who run media empires. Aside from the predictable editorial raging against chaos caused by interference of so many little transmitters, the pages are chock full of news tidbits chronicling the often contradictory statements of lawmakers trying to appease the broadcast lobby without ruffling their own constituents. After all, they need those big TV and radio ads to get re-elected. To order, call 1-800-554-5729, but don't be shocked if a sub costs $300/year.

Perhaps the best coverage of micro radio comes from "The CGC Communicator," an Internet newsletter at http://207.42.32.124/cgc/ Practically no one else has reported that "Pirate radio operators [sic] who defied shut down orders from the FCC would be barred from owning an LPFM [low power license]. Those who heeded an initial shut down order might still be eligible."

Journal-isms

Just as the Wall St. Journal can be counted on to give more complete and even more demeaning news on the business world than you find in the most radical papers, the Washington Journal provides incisive, thorough coverage on what's happening in the state. Published weekly by the Daily Journal Corporation, it focuses on legal news, giving round-ups of pending court cases. The Feb. 15 issue had a hilarious article of the break-up of Bogle and Gates by Cindy Simmons replete with crocodile tears quotes from corporate lawyers best known for defending Exxon in the wake of the Valdez spill. Also, this issue featured the first complete coverage of the Speakeasy story. While acknowledging the cafe's importance as an arts and community center, Cyd Gillis explores the Internet cafe business and the maneuvers made by the cafe and the liquor board.