As someone who's part of the culture being attacked here, it's interesting to note the stylistic differences between this article from 1995 and more current smear pieces from the likes of the NYT.

This reads like a conspiracy theory pamphlet although it brings up most of the same points we see in more modern attacks. What changed in the last ~20 years where arguments like this have hit the mainstream?

Well for one, tech is even more powerful now and old media is on its deathbed. That leads to a certain amount of sour grapes and irrational defense of non-functional business models.

Secondly I think millennials had a large part in moving away from techno libertarian ideals. Philosophy-wise they're basically baby boomers 2.0. I don't think they had enough direct exposure to that culture to understand the failings, thus are doomed to repeat them. Obviously this isn't true for everyone in that generation, just a generalization.