BENTON'S COMMUNICATIONS-RELATED HEADLINES for THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015
FTC all day event "PrivacyCon" and more on our calendar: https://www.benton.org/calendar/2016-01-14
SOTU
In GOP State of the Union responses, different messages in English and Spanish on immigration - Miami Herald analysis
Sen Warner praises Obama's tech focus in State of the Union [links to Hill, The]
State of the Union brings White House to Snapchat [links to Los Angeles Times]
President Obama’s prominent jab at the media’s Trump coverage during SOTU [links to Washington Post]
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FirstNet Posts Multibillion RFP for Public Safety Broadband Network
INTERNET/BROADBAND
World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends - research
Senate floor fight on Internet tax ban expected soon
Three things economists wish the FCC knew about broadband markets - AEI op-ed
Gigabit connections to rise tenfold in 2016, says Deloitte [links to Benton summary]
Data Preview: What’s New in the July 2015 CPS Computer and Internet Use Supplement - NTIA blog [links to Benton summary]
WIRELESS/SPECTRUM
Number of Spectrum Sellers Staying Private
Howard University Takes Step Toward Sale of Spectrum Rights
SECURITY/PRIVACY
Privacy and Information Sharing - Pew Research Center
Ex-NSA boss says FBI director is wrong on encryption
Encryption, Broadband Privacy, Data Security Enforcement Crowd 2016 Agenda - analysis [links to Benton summary]
The Long and Winding History of Encryption [links to Atlantic, The]
CBO Scores the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act - research [links to Benton summary]
His small medical facility has gone bust, but Michael Daugherty continues his fight against federal “bullies” over data security [links to National Journal]
ACCESSIBILITY
We Should Not Have to Fight for the Right to Read - PK op-ed [links to Benton summary]
BROADCASTING/CABLE
TV Viewers Endured Record Number of Blackouts in 2015 [links to Benton summary]
Chairman Walden: No Plans for Rep Pallone’s Broadcasters Bill [links to TVNewsCheck]
What Washington Has in Store for Broadcasters in 2016 – Looking at the Legal Issues that the FCC Will Be Considering in the New Year [links to Broadcast Law Blog]
Op-Ed: A Rural Lifeline Not to Be Compromised [links to Broadcasting&Cable]
Survey: Most Subs Would Drop ESPN to Save $8 [links to Broadcasting&Cable]
CONTENT
Step Aside, Cord Cutters and Cord-Nevers. Showtime Is Targeting 'Cord Cobblers' [links to AdWeek]
Why Parallels Between Netflix and Amazon Should Worry Media Titans - NYT analysis [links to Benton summary]
SoundCloud and Universal Music Agree to Licensing Deal [links to New York Times]
How I got 2.3 million app downloads without spending a cent on marketing [links to Medium]
Based on searches and stored locations, updated Google Maps app chooses places to recommend [links to Wall Street Journal]
ELECTIONS & MEDIA
NBC says letting Donald Trump host SNL was worth it for the ratings [links to Vox]
TELECOM
The FCC's Half-Shoveled Sidewalk: Forbearance and Universal Service - AT&T blog [links to Benton summary]
TRANSPORTATION
Who Owns the Dashboard? Apple and Google Should. - Revere Digital analysis [links to Benton summary]
OWNERSHIP
Apple keeps close eye on potential Time Warner spinoff [links to New York Post]
JOURNALISM
Al Jazeera America to Shut Down by April [links to New York Times]
The Verge Co-Founder Josh Topolsky Is Raising Money to Launch a Media Startup [links to Benton summary]
What nonprofit ownership means for Philadelphia’s top newspapers - CJR analysis [links to Benton summary]
Keeping reporters off the Senate floor: The latest restriction on press access in Missouri [links to Columbia Journalism Review]
WNYC is leading public radio’s transition to public podcasting [links to Benton summary]
EDUCATION
Sen Franken Questions Google About Student Data Privacy [links to Revere Digital]
Bronx High School of Science Bans Cellphones From Wi-Fi as Students Devour It [links to New York Times]
Why Tests of Ed-Tech Products Don’t Mesh With K-12 Budget Cycles [links to Education Week]
The Future of Big Data and Analytics in K-12 Education [links to Education Week]
GOVERNMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
CBO Scores the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act - research [links to Benton summary]
3 Tips for Making Real Change in Federal Government Customer Experience [links to nextgov]
How to honor Aaron Swartz’s life [links to Medium]
STORIES FROM ABROAD
Gigaclear secures €25m loan to roll out ultrafast broadband in UK [links to Financial Times]
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SOTU
IN GOP STATE OF THE UNION RESPONSES, DIFFERENT MESSAGES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH ON IMMIGRATION
[SOURCE: Miami Herald, AUTHOR: Patricia Mazzei]
[Commentary] The Republican Party's immigration split was reflected in the two responses hand-picked party members gave -- one in English, one in Spanish -- to President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address. The Spanish version, offered by a Cuban-American congressman from Miami, was decidedly softer. Here's what Gov Nikki Haley (R-SC) said in English: "No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country. At the same time, that does not mean we just flat out open our borders. We can’t do that. We cannot continue to allow immigrants to come here illegally. And in this age of terrorism, we must not let in refugees whose intentions cannot be determined. We must fix our broken immigration system. That means stopping illegal immigration. And it means welcoming properly vetted legal immigrants, regardless of their race or religion. Just like we have for centuries." Here's what Rep Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) said in Spanish (translation is ours): "No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love the United States should ever feel unwelcome in this country. It's not who we are. At the same time, it's obvious that our immigration system needs to be reformed. The current system puts our national security at risk and is an obstacle for our economy. It's essential that we find a legislative solution to protect our nation, defend our borders, offer a permanent and human solution to those who live in the shadows, respect the rule of law, modernize the visa system and push the economy forward."
benton.org/headlines/gop-state-union-responses-different-messages-english-and-spanish-immigration | Miami Herald
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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FIRSTNET POSTS MULTIBILLION RFP FOR PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK
[SOURCE: nextgov, AUTHOR: Mohana Ravindranath]
The federal government’s vision for a unified national public safety broadband network, primarily for use by first responders, is one step closer to reality. FirstNet, the group leading that effort, posted a much-awaited request for proposal seeking tech partners to provide the infrastructure for that system, including radio access network services, deployment and maintenance. The network is intended to stretch across 56 states and territories; FirstNet has a $7 billion budget authority and is pledging up to $6.5 billion for these task orders. FirstNet, an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, plans to make an award in the fourth quarter of the 2016 calendar year, the RFP said. Proposals are due April 29, and applicants must submit questions and capability statements by Feb. 12 and March 17, respectively. The contract has an up to 25-year term, according to FirstNet. The RFP was posted after more than a year of discussion with technology companies and public safety groups about the network’s requirements; FirstNet has issued 13 requests for information and a collection of draft RFP documents.
benton.org/headlines/firstnet-posts-multibillion-rfp-public-safety-broadband-network | nextgov
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INTERNET/BROADBAND
DIGITAL DIVIDENDS
[SOURCE: World Bank, AUTHOR: ]
Digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world. Digital dividends—that is, the broader development benefits from using these technologies—have lagged behind. In many instances, digital technologies have boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery. Yet their aggregate impact has fallen short and is unevenly distributed. For digital technologies to benefit everyone everywhere requires closing the remaining digital divide, especially in internet access. But greater digital adoption will not be enough. To get the most out of the digital revolution, countries also need to work on the “analog complements”—by strengthening regulations that ensure competition among businesses, by adapting workers’ skills to the demands of the new economy, and by ensuring that institutions are accountable.
benton.org/headlines/world-development-report-2016-digital-dividends | World Bank | Press release | NY Times
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SENATE FLOOR FIGHT ON INTERNET TAX BAN EXPECTED SOON
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Mario Trujillo]
Supporters of a long-term ban on state and local taxes of Internet access are confident they will have the votes in a soon-expected floor fight. A customs bill that includes the indefinite ban on Internet access taxes is expected to move soon, according to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD). And he predicted opponents will not have the votes to strip it out. "I think you can expect that that there'll be some procedural attempts to strip that out, but I don't think the votes are going to be there," he said. "I think it is going to be a very hard vote for people to vote to say as a matter of policy and practice in this country that we're going to allow taxes to go into place — we're going to allow states to impose taxes on the Internet." Chairman Thune, one of the key sponsors of a long-term ban, said many outside groups have been whipping the vote, which he predicted would be "fairly close." "If the customs conference report moves, and I think it will move soon, I believe that the Internet tax moratorium will be included in it as it was reported from the House," he said.
benton.org/headlines/senate-floor-fight-internet-tax-ban-expected-soon | Hill, The
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THREE THINGS ECONOMISTS WISH THE FCC KNEW ABOUT BROADBAND MARKETS
[SOURCE: American Enterprise Institute, AUTHOR: Mark Jamison]
[Commentary] A funny thing happens when economists get together: They discuss the real impacts of public policy. Wouldn’t it be nice if the Federal Communications Commission participated in these discussions? In particular, wouldn’t it be nice if the FCC knew that: (1) Technology-based competition drives broadband progress and adoption more than regulation-driven competition does; (2) High market shares are a sign of market success, not market failure; and (3) The FCC’s universal service programs are expensive and largely ineffective. These lessons come from just two of more than 520 sessions at the 2016 meeting of the American Economic Association. At the end of the day, I can sympathize with the FCC — regulation is complicated work — but some attention to research should improve that work considerably.
[Mark Jamison is the director and Gunter Professor of the Public Utility Research Center at the University of Florida]
benton.org/headlines/three-things-economists-wish-fcc-knew-about-broadband-markets | American Enterprise Institute
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WIRELESS/SPECTRUM
NUMBER OF STATIONS TO REMAIN PRIVATE
[SOURCE: TVNewsCheck, AUTHOR: Doug Halonen]
Broadcasters who are giving serious consideration to participating in the Federal Communications Commission’s incentive auction were supposed to put the agency on official notice Jan 12. But how many stations are planning to sell their spectrum may not be known for months, because agency officials, who are barred by law from identifying individual station participants until after the auction is over, are also declining to comment on the number of station applications the agency received. The FCC is not planning to release the number, both because the Jan. 12 filings don’t oblige broadcasters to participate, and because the agency won’t know how many individual stations are planning to participate until the agency reviews the individual broadcaster filings. The next critical deadline for broadcast station auction wannabes is March 29, when stations execs will have to decide whether to commit to participate in the auction’s initial round.
benton.org/headlines/number-spectrum-sellers-staying-private | TVNewsCheck
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HOWARD UNIVERSITY SELLING SPECTRUM
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Nicholas Fandos]
Howard University said it would join other broadcasters in taking part in a Federal Communications Commission auction that could entail selling the rights to the spectrum on which it broadcasts the nation’s only black-owned public television station. Citing confidentiality rules surrounding the auction, Howard did not detail its bidding strategy or intentions. According to FCC rules, the university may choose to completely cede its spectrum rights for a premium payout or to trade them for a less-valuable frequency type and a smaller payment. If it elects to cede its rights, Howard may take its 35-year-old station, WHUT, off the air or try to share spectrum space with another broadcaster. The auction has stirred vociferous debate at Howard, a historically black university, as students, faculty and alumni have called on trustees to weigh the station’s symbolic, educational and financial value.
benton.org/headlines/howard-university-takes-step-toward-sale-spectrum-rights | New York Times
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SECURITY/PRIVACY
PRIVACY AND INFORMATION SHARING
[SOURCE: Pew Internet Science and Tech, AUTHOR: Lee Raine, Maeve Duggan]
Most Americans see privacy issues in commercial settings as contingent and context-dependent. A new Pew Research Center study based on a survey of 461 U.S. adults and nine online focus groups of 80 people finds that there are a variety of circumstances under which many Americans would share personal information or permit surveillance in return for getting something of perceived value. For instance, a majority of Americans think it would be acceptable (by a 54% to 24% margin) for employers to install monitoring cameras following a series of workplace thefts. Nearly half (47%) say the basic bargain offered by retail loyalty cards – namely, that stores track their purchases in exchange for occasional discounts – is acceptable to them, even as a third (32%) call it unacceptable. Still, while many Americans are willing to share personal information in exchange for tangible benefits, they are often cautious about disclosing their information and frequently unhappy about what happens to that information once companies have collected it. For example, when presented with a scenario in which they might save money on their energy bill by installing a “smart thermostat” that would monitor their movements around the home, most adults consider this an unacceptable tradeoff (by a 55% to 27% margin). In online focus groups and in open-ended responses to a nationally representative online survey, many people expressed concerns about the safety and security of their personal data in light of numerous high-profile data breaches. They also regularly expressed anger about the barrage of unsolicited emails, phone calls, customized ads or other contacts that inevitably arises when they elect to share some information about themselves. These findings suggest that the phrase that best captures Americans’ views on the choice between privacy vs. disclosure of personal information is, “It depends.”
benton.org/headlines/privacy-and-information-sharing | Pew Internet Science and Tech
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EX-NSA BOSS SAYS FBI DIRECTOR IS WRONG ON ENCRYPTION
[SOURCE: CNNMoney, AUTHOR: Jose Pagliery]
The FBI director wants the keys to your private conversations on your smartphone to keep terrorists from plotting secret attacks. But the former head of the US National Security Agency -- the supreme experts on communications -- said that would be a terrible idea. General Michael Hayden, now retired, expressed his unwavering support for encryption, a feature that protects voice calls or texts by turning data into nonsensical, indecipherable code. "I disagree with [FBI director] Jim Comey," Hayden said. "I actually think end-to-end encryption is good for America." At issue here is whether companies like Apple and Google should offer encryption to customers. It safeguards their devices from anyone trying to break in, whether it's criminal hackers or snooping federal agents. The Obama Administration, initially irked by the challenge posed to surveillance, has dropped any plans to push for laws that bar or limit encryption. But FBI Director James Comey continues to rail on tech companies for helping terrorists "go dark." He criticizes how tech companies have handed customers the only key to unlock their devices and chat logs. Director Comey wants companies to retain keys -- that open a "back door" in devices -- so that law enforcement can access them when needed to solve crimes."I know encryption represents a particular challenge for the FBI," Hayden said. "But on balance, I actually think it creates greater security for the American nation than the alternative: a backdoor."
benton.org/headlines/ex-nsa-boss-says-fbi-director-wrong-encryption | CNNMoney
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