I believe the 50-year increase in the news and information available
to United States citizens has worked to fragment national consensus.
Each of us can live in a closed universe of information that is
congenial to our viewpoint. Political parties no concentrate on
"energizing the base" rather than striving for consenus.
1. How much has the available media increased in 50 years?
2. What about diversity of view points? Can we measure it?
3. Have others written about this idea?

See the Google Answers Question:

http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=187185


There are more channels for information, but concentration of
ownership has reduced the diversity of views expressed. In other
words, a few messages are being sent through more outlets. An increase
in polarization is reflected in polling.

hlabadie-ga