The affordability crisis (aka cost of living crisis) in the U.S. is multifaceted and has been growing for 45 years, due to low pay and high prices. There are many factors pushing up prices well beyond normal inflation, including profit-taking middlemen and privatization of public goods and services.

Huge news and media companies are dangerous and harmful. They control the information and disinformation we receive. They are not providing voters with the information they need to maintain a well-functioning democracy. Here are steps to rein in and compensate for their dangers and harm.

Consolidation in the news and media industry over the last 40 years includes TV, radio, print, and social media. The profit motive drives the promotion of divisive and culture war messages, while minimizing local reporting. This undermines civic engagement, perverts politics, and harms democracy.