Meaning: The quote by Robert McChesney is a commentary on the role of the government in regulating and allocating frequency rights for communication companies. McChesney is a prominent media critic and scholar who has extensively written and spoken about media policy, technology, and democracy. In this quote, he is specifically addressing the issue of government intervention in the allocation of frequency rights, also known as spectrum, in major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

The quote suggests that when the government grants monopoly rights to specific companies for frequencies in these major cities, it is essentially favoring certain companies over others, effectively choosing the winners of the competition. The term "monopoly rights" refers to the exclusive rights granted to a particular company to use a specific range of frequencies for communication purposes within a defined geographic area. This monopoly status gives the company a significant advantage in the market, as it prevents other companies from using the same frequencies in the same area.

McChesney's assertion that the government is "picking the winners of the competition" implies that the allocation of spectrum rights is not a neutral or competitive process. Instead, it is influenced by political and economic factors that can favor certain companies over others. This can have significant implications for competition, innovation, and consumer choice within the communication industry.

Moreover, McChesney's statement "it wasn't setting the terms of the competition" suggests that the government's role in allocating spectrum rights does not necessarily create a level playing field for all companies to compete. Instead, by granting monopoly rights to specific companies, the government is shaping the market in a way that may not reflect the true dynamics of competition and innovation.

The concept of spectrum allocation and regulation is particularly relevant in the context of telecommunications and broadcasting industries. Spectrum is a finite and valuable resource that is essential for wireless communication, including mobile phones, television and radio broadcasting, Wi-Fi, and other wireless technologies. The allocation and management of spectrum have significant implications for the development of new technologies, the expansion of communication services, and the overall competitiveness of the industry.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for regulating and managing the allocation of spectrum rights. The FCC conducts auctions and licensing processes to allocate spectrum to communication companies, and it also sets rules and regulations governing the use of spectrum to ensure efficient and fair utilization of this limited resource.

McChesney's criticism of the government's role in spectrum allocation raises important questions about the impact of regulatory policies on market competition, innovation, and consumer welfare. It underscores the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in the process of allocating spectrum rights to ensure that the public interest is served and that companies compete on a level playing field.

Overall, McChesney's quote sheds light on the complex intersection of government policy, corporate interests, and competition in the communication industry. It invites critical examination of the role of government in shaping the dynamics of the market and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that regulatory decisions are guided by principles of fairness, competition, and public interest.