Passing the Torch to the New FCC

[Commentary] The laws and regulations governing TV will not be immune to sweeping overhaul under the new Obama Administration. In fact, change is already underway at the Federal Communications Commission and in Congress, the two main regulators of television and related industries, in the form of new leadership. The change in policy will play out over the next four or more years, issue by issue. Some will be new Obama initiatives. Others are unfinished business from the Kevin Martin (and earlier) FCCs. Berg highlights nine unfinished issues: 1) Postponing the Feb. 17, 2009 DTV transition date. 2) Digital translator and "nightlight" extended analog service FCC rulemakings/initiatives. 3) Must carry for TV digital multicast video signals. 4) LPTV transition to DTV. 5) Reform of the retransmission consent complaint process/enforcement. 6) Indecency regulation. 7) Regulatory status of AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FiOS. 8) Product placements. 9) Media ownership issues.