Who shapes what communities know—and what happens when fewer companies control more of the local news Americans rely on? In this episode of The Miseducation of Technology, Attorney Danielle explores the relationship between local television, media consolidation, democracy, and Black political power. Beginning with television’s role in bringing the violence of Bloody Sunday in Selma into homes across America, this episode examines why local news remains an important part of our information infrastructure—and what may be at stake as ownership of local television becomes increasingly concentrated. For generations, local television has helped communities understand what is happening around them, from elections and school board decisions to housing, public safety, economic development, and local government. Unlike newspapers, websites, or social media platforms, broadcast television also occupies a unique place in American communications policy because broadcasters use the public airwaves and have historically been expected to serve the public interest. But the media landscape is changing. Advertising revenue has shifted toward digital platforms, broadcasters are competing with streaming services and Big Tech, and media companies argue that greater consolidation is necessary to remain financially viable. At the same time, when fewer companies own more local television stations, questions emerge about where decisions are made, whose priorities shape local journalism, and what greater concentration of information means for the communities those stations serve. In this episode, we explore it in three parts: 1️⃣ Why local television matters—from the public airwaves and public-interest obligations to the principles of localism, competition, and viewpoint diversity, and the role local journalism plays in keeping communities informed. 2️⃣ What happens when control over local news becomes concentrated—including the economic case for media consolidation, the Sinclair Broadcast Group controversy, Nexstar’s push for changes to federal broadcast ownership rules, and the FCC’s 2026 decision to eliminate the 39% national television ownership cap. 3️⃣ Why these changes carry particular significance for Black communities—and how local journalism can shape visibility, civic participation, political accountability, and the ability of communities to ensure their concerns become part of the broader public conversation. This episode is ultimately about more than television stations or media ownership. It is about information and political power. Before communities can vote, organize, advocate for their interests, or hold public officials accountable, they must first know what is happening around them. And history reminds us why that matters. Before Selma became part of American history, it was simply local news. 🎧 If you care about local news, media consolidation, Black political power, journalism, democracy, FCC media ownership policy, or the future of Black communities, this episode is for you. Technology may have been miseducated. But you do not have to be. Follow, rate, and share The Miseducation of Technology to stay in the conversation. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@attorneydanielle_ Instagram: @AttorneyDanielle_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleadriannadavis/ Website: AttorneyDanielle.AI Newsletter: https://attorneydanielle.kit.com/ Support my work: https://buymeacoffee.com/attorneydanielle
