What kind of radio landscape would serve the public interest?

It is the fall of 1938 and the Federal Communications Commission is holding hearings on what to do about the perceived monopoly power that the major radio networks – NBC and CBS – exercise over their affiliated stations.

Infused by New Deal ideals, some members of the Commission want to fundamentally reshape and democratize the radio industry, but others are wary of further regulation from Washington. Many stakeholders will testify at the hearing: NBC and CBS executives; representatives of regional networks who have a love-hate relationship with the big networks; progressives who seek a variety of reforms. Students take on roles of FCC commissioners, radio network executives, independent business people, representatives of public interest groups, journalists who cover the hearings, and President Roosevelt, who is an observer at the hearings but plays a behind the scenes role. Game sessions involve witnesses taking testimony on a series of six questions before the Commission. Debate culminates with a final, decisive vote on all the six issues during the final hearing session. Students wrestle with profound questions that have long animated American politics and government: what is the proper role of the federal government in economic and social life? How much regulation does the free market need to function fairly and efficiently? What role should the government play in promoting the public interest?

This is a Level 3 game that is still under development but has been approved by the Reacting Editorial Board (REB) for general use. A detailed explanation of the editorial process and game levels can be found on our REB Page.