I wasn't aware of this, thanks! I was in radio in the early 2000s and witnessed rapid decline over just those few years.

*Summary from ChatGPT.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 had several significant impacts on the telecommunications industry in the United States. Here are some of the key pros and cons associated with the legislation:

Pros:

1. Competition: The act aimed to promote competition by breaking down regulatory barriers between different types of communication services, such as local and long-distance telephone services, cable TV, and Internet services. This was expected to lead to increased choices for consumers and potentially lower prices.

2. Deregulation: The legislation aimed to reduce government regulation, allowing companies more flexibility in offering a range of services. This was intended to encourage innovation and investment in the industry.

3. Technological Advancement: By promoting competition and removing certain regulatory restrictions, the act aimed to encourage technological advancements in the telecommunications sector. It contributed to the growth of the internet and broadband services.

Cons:

1. Media Consolidation: The act's deregulatory approach led to increased consolidation within the media industry. This concentration of ownership raised concerns about the diversity of voices and perspectives in the media landscape.

2. Local Service Issues: While the act aimed to promote competition, some critics argue that it did not do enough to address issues related to local telephone services. In some areas, competition did not materialize as expected, leading to concerns about monopolistic practices.

3. Digital Divide: Despite advancements in technology, there were concerns about a "digital divide" where certain communities, especially in rural or low-income areas, lacked access to the benefits of new telecommunications services, such as broadband internet.

4. Loss of Localism: Critics argue that the act contributed to the loss of local control and localism in media, as national companies gained more influence over local media outlets.

Overall, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 had both positive and negative consequences, and its impact continues to be a subject of debate in discussions about the regulation of the telecommunications industry.