Final answer:
The speaker criticizes television broadcasters for not fulfilling their duty to provide quality programming, despite regulations by the FCC. They argue that broadcasters prioritize profit over substance, adversely impacting civic engagement and public discourse. The correct option is c) He feels that they have a responsibility to provide quality programming, but they are not doing so.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why is the Speaker Critical of Television Broadcasters?
The speaker is critical of television broadcasters because they perceive a failure to provide quality programming. Despite the responsibility to offer valuable content as stipulated by their licensing requirements with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the speaker suggests the broadcasters prioritize revenues and avoid challenging social and political issues in favor of entertainment that aligns with advertising demands.
Additionally, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is seen to have enabled media conglomerates to reduce competition and potentially neglect public interest obligations.
Viewers have more media choices than ever due to the invention of cable and expansion of the internet, leading to a decrease in the viewership of important events like the president's State of the Union address. This indicates a shift in public interest towards entertainment and away from civically engaging programming.
Furthermore, the speaker is likely critical because the FCC is meant to ensure broadcasters serve the local and minority communities and provide a public forum for discussion, which they may not be doing sufficiently.
The correct option is c) He feels that they have a responsibility to provide quality programming, but they are not doing so.