CONCENTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICIES IN THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY - THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION

New technologies are deeply transforming the broadcasting industry. Wh at we have seen so far is only the beginning of a long story. Inevitab ly, industry regulations must adapt, which means that a wide-ranging r ethink of current practices is required. In order to assess the likely evolution of the industry, this article decomposes it into a number o f components, from conception of programmes to their broadcasting, inc luding distribution, storage and licensing. Contrary to popular expect ations, the analysis suggests that the current high degree of concentr ation will, if anything, increase. The policy implication is that regu lation, so far driven by, now obsolete technological constraints, shou ld increasingly emphasize promoting competition.