THE POLITICS OF DEREGULATION - PUBLIC-PARTICIPATION IN THE FCC RULEMAKING PROCESS FOR DBS

This study examines public participation in the deregulation era, with an emphasis on citizen participation, through the rulemaking process for direct broadcast satellite. Its findings suggest that citizens, as groups and as individuals, participated in the policymaking arenas in the formation of deregulatory policy, but with a fraction of the intensity and stamina of the more active participants such as industry interest groups. For those who have a commitment to fostering greater participation by citizens in shaping US communication policy, this study reveals some troubling questions about a course of action in policy making.