In my regular column today I write about radio. The news peg was a Wednesday hearing on the future of radio held by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee.

The committee, which includes senators from both parties concerned about media consolidation such as Democrats Maria Cantwell and Byron Dorgan and Republicans Trent Lott and Olympia Snowe, heard testimony from independent record label owners, and musicians. They also heard from a broadcaster who supports consolidation.

According to Radio World Newspaper the testimony of the independents had an impact. Commerce Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said the committee needs to examine the diversity of media ownership, and consolidation.

It is not surprising that the committee would delve more into media ownership - it is their job. But it is encouraging that senators from both parties have become very vocal on the topic, especially at a time when the Federal Communications Commission is trying to ram bad public policy into law before year end.

For more about Wednesday's hearing go to the Commerce Committee's Web site. Another good source for information about Internet radio, and media consolidation is the Future of Music Coalition, and the Rock the Net campaign.