writes Granville Williams URL: www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php?article_id=8362

The rules on radio station ownership in the US used to be simple. Before the 1996 Telecommunications Act, a radio group could only own two stations in one market, and no more than 28 nationwide.

These rules were torn up in 1996. A Texan company called Clear Channel Communications swiftly went on a $30 billion dollar spending spree, buying more than 70 other media companies as well as individual stations.

It now owns over 1,200 radio stations and more than 30 television stations in the US. Based in San Antonio, where its founder Lowry Mays started with one radio station in 1972, it has now built up a global empire spanning radio, concert promotion and billboard advertising.

Worldwide Clear Channel has media outlets in 66 countries and owns 700,000 billboards. It is in a leading position in Britain

You don't have to look that far. Promoters in Europe are already feeling the pinch as ClearChannel abuses its dominant position as a promoter to dicate what happens in certain festivals (including the supply of backline gear in one case, according to a well-informed insider).

As someone working with CC or as it is now called Live Nation I need to point out a few things in relation to UK live music.

At present it is too soon to judge the impact of CC but with several new festivals - including Download and O2 - they have increased the opportunities for bands in the UK.

They are currently reorganising the MF Chain of venues and from what I hear will be refurbing many of them who have seen underinvestment.

Live Nation itself is promoting into venues as small as the Water Rats - thus spreading its wealth from top to bottom in the industry.

As long as it does not start restrictive practices over and beyond what is acceptable within the UK then I would hope CC/LN would be a force for good in the UK music industry.

Just because something is big does not necessarily make it "dangerous".

I do feel that the smaller venues in the UK may suffer if they are not well run because the gig-goers dollar does seem to be gravitating towards Live Nation - either directly through their own promotions or indirectly via the other companies who use their venues.

An interesting starter for a debate - but in another 2 years time the actual impact can be assessed.