benton's blog

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s network neutrality rules. So what does that mean, and what will happen now?

– Free Speech, Net Neutrality, and Election 2016

Pretend you’re a journalist (if you really are one, ignore that but read on anyhow) and someone calls and says “I’ve got a good and timely story that I think your readers/listeners would like to know about. There is a government agency that has both the authority and the responsibility to help clean up our broken big-money election campaigns—and it is refusing to do its job.” Let me explain.

Adrianne B. Furniss
Presentation of Charles Benton Digital Equity Award to David Keyes
May 18, 2016
as prepared for delivery

“Functional Internet access is essential for full participation in society.”

“Broadband Internet access service is essential to education, public health, and public safety.”

Blair Levin
Brookings Metropolitan Policy Project
Kansas City Gigabit Summit
May 17, 2016

My topic today is Cities, Technology, the Next Generation of Urban Development and the Next Administration.

Today marks the first anniversary of Charles Benton’s death.

You may have known Charles because you met him at a conference or you spoke on the phone or you read one of his articles. Tall, large of voice, possessed of dazzling grin and intractable hair, Charles naturally drew considerable attention. He was the Benton Foundation for many people.

“For us to expect inmates will possess the skills necessary to survive in the free world, we'll have to come to the realization they'll have to use these things."
Douglas Smith III, Chief Information Officer, Florida Department of Corrections