A strong and vibrant cultural policy is essential to a strong nation. There are cultural conditions which make democracy possible, markets open, and societies free. Our continued national well-being depends as much on the condition of our culture as our economy or federal policies.

Cultural trends are mixed: while we have made progress as a nation in reducing discrimination and opening the doors of opportunity to those historically denied entrance, there are many other areas where we have lost ground. Teen suicide and drug use are increasing. More families are breaking down, and marriages breaking up. We have become more accustomed to, and more tolerant of, tragedy, violence, and hate. We need a renewed culture. We need to honor the unsung heroes in our land, laud their works, and encourage their emulation. Similarly, we should work to discourage the glamorization of violence and vulgarity that pervades our entertainment and popular culture. There are many things that each of us can do to make our families, schools, neighborhoods, and ultimately, our culture more civil, compassionate, and uplifting. In the end, the most effective solutions to the problem of cultural decline will not come from Washington; they will come from the heartland.

Not everyone can broadcast over the nation's public airwaves.  Broadcast spectrum is a very valuable and scarce national resource.  That is why statute requires the FCC to evaluate not just the ability, but thecharacter of an entity to operate in the public's interest, when handing out a broadcast license.  Read More