Writer Blasts Media Consolidation

When a train with hazardous materials derailed in Minot (ND) late at night in 2002, the town’s commercial radio stations broadcast no news to warn residents, according to the writer of a new book that criticizes the consolidation of media ownership. Eric Klinenberg’s book recalls the HAZMAT incident that spread deadly chlorine gas throughout the town, killing one and injuring at least 330 residents. The author points out that all six non-religious stations in the town are owned by Clear Channel Communications, and are operated from other cities, making local alerts of emergencies nearly impossible. Klinenberg believes that the local stations should have been an important part of the town’s emergency alerting network. But when public safety officials tried to call the stations, they learned no on was even located at the local facilities. Read more and listen to the night’s 911 calls here.