If networks are at all gun-shy, it's because of a vexing list of concerns. Deregulation has allowed news divisions to be swallowed by larger risk-adverse corporations. Investigating other billion-dollar corporations is less than prudent when those behemoths fight back in potentially ruinous lawsuits that can cripple a news division, which makes such stories an even less profitable and riskier investment for a GE, a Disney or others.

Consequently, investigations into big business, arguably more essential than ever at a time when Wall Street machinations are at the center of the $400 billion subprime mortgage collapse, have become increasingly rare."
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Just this one section points out how the media plays a critical role in our society - holding power accountable through the power of sunshine on corruption or abuse of power. But because recent rules have allowed for increased consolidation of the media into the hands of megacorporations, several things happen.

One, you see less investigation of corporate malfeasance because the corporation you may be investigating is your own!

Two, you see less investigation of politicians because the corporation is more likely to have ties to them.

and three, megacorporations are more concerned about large bottom lines and thus less likely to take risks by stirring up the pot or poking hornets' nests and generating lawsuits than a journalistic approach would.

All of these factors lead to the media being less useful for our society than it should be or once was.

Where is "Harvest of Shame"?

Where are Bernstein and Woodward?

It seems all we get these days is the titillation of "To Catch a Predator" and Nancy Grace.

It will only get worse if we continue to allow more and more consolidation of the media. Right now, we need to stop consolidation in its tracks and then start the road to redemocratizing the media!