With product placement in TV programs exploding, public advocacy groups are calling for the FCC to develop rules for clear disclosure for all TV marketing. And broadcasters may be undermining the news and information you receive on your local TV newscast. In an effort to cut costs, some rival broadcasters are merging their newsroom operations.

In response to ColorofChange.org's call for advertisers to stop airing commercials on the Glenn Beck Show after Beck's racist remarks, 57 companies have pulled their ads. And an appeals court threw out the FCC's ruling that cable companies can't control more than 30 percent of a market. But that doesn't mean that the agency gets to ignore the issue of capping cable ownership.

National Public Radio plans to cut 7 percent of its work force and cancel two shows that helped fill the gaps in diverse programming. And 2008 reminds us why grassroots activism is so important.

Verizon Wireless' purchase of rural wireless carrier Alltel has been approved. And public interest groups are concerned about the consequences for consumers. And a new Nielsen study refutes one of broadcasters' main arguments for more media consolidation.