A different kind of Television.

Imagine that during the mid 1960's, an inventor creates the equipment that allows a middle class person to buy their own homemade T.V. Station.

Which means the average American can now make their own T.V. Station, and broadcast whatever they want.
 
You would need an Internet-type medium of transmission. The FCC regulated the airwaves with an iron fist.

One example: the FCC listened in on CB radio conversations in the sixties. At that time, each user had to state call letters. If the thought police heard any utterance of "hell" or "damn" they would fine the user for obscenity, cancel the license and actually confiscate the CB radio sets, which were quite costly at the time.
 
Well, if there's enough airspace for all that then it's like an earlier youtube. If not, well then regular stations just get a power boost to drown out all the noise coming from the home sets.
 
You would need an Internet-type medium of transmission. The FCC regulated the airwaves with an iron fist.

One example: the FCC listened in on CB radio conversations in the sixties. At that time, each user had to state call letters. If the thought police heard any utterance of "hell" or "damn" they would fine the user for obscenity, cancel the license and actually confiscate the CB radio sets, which were quite costly at the time.
That's... one of the most insanely overzealous things I've ever heard.

That's like listening in on private phone conversations. Oh wait, the US government does that, don't they. To fight TEH EVIL TERRISTS!!! (TM)
 
You would need an Internet-type medium of transmission. The FCC regulated the airwaves with an iron fist.

They could offer the equivalent of a ham-radio license. Or severely restrict the operating power.

I'd expect to see many stations with a radius of a block or so in cities or maybe a whole town and a few larger regional stations.


That's... one of the most insanely overzealous things I've ever heard.

That's like listening in on private phone conversations. Oh wait, the US government does that, don't they. To fight TEH EVIL TERRISTS!!! (TM)

Except that all CB transmissions are in the open. Not private at all.
 
Except that all CB transmissions are in the open. Not private at all.
They're in-between... yes, they are on public wavelengths, but if they're between two people how is it different to a private phone call? I mean, it's possible to listen in on mobile phone calls, which are on public wavelengths... should we be allowed to listen in on them though?
 
but if they're between two people how is it different to a private phone call?
Very different, both technically and legally. Basically, cellphone is still a phone, although it uses radio, because, well... a: to listen to any specific cell phone you have to follow the owner, b: It's encrypted and c: Cell phone lobby said so. ;)

But CB is stiill a shortwave radio, which means less bandwidth, more range. No one could or would guarantee you that you aren't heard by your mother-in-law in the next state just because she accidentaly dialed the same wavelength and ionosphere was right, let alone by FCC. Encryption is impractical with limited bandwidth (lots of technical reasons), so it isn't allowed. (and it's really a good thing in this case, belive it or not.) So, you just have to be discreet and behave yourself when you talk on CB, you are in public.
 
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Ah, I see... damn.

*shrugs*
Sorry :(

Having said that, filtering "damns" was a bit draconic... OTOH, back then radio was mostly used by professionals and licensed ham radio operators, who themselves would frown upon casual swearing. So, I suspect FCC simply applied old rules to a new situation.
 
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