DIGITAL DIVIDE
The Digital Dividend (MIT)
Jamaican Jails Going Online (WIRED)
RADIO/TELEVISION
Ownership Ruling Is Latest Boon to Industry Once Seen as Doomed
(NYT)
Copyright Arbitration Panel Sets Royalty Fees For Internet Radio
Broadcasts (WP)
DIGITAL DIVIDE
THE DIGITAL DIVIDEND
Issue: Digital Divide
[Commentary] Stuart Brotman argues that it is the business community, not
the government, who should lead efforts to close the digital divide.
Brotman refers to "digital dividends", which are possible outcomes that can
be achieved by the private sector through widespread penetration and use of
digital technologies. Within companies the "digital dividend" would
translate into better-trained employees, increased global sales and
marketing opportunities, and a more diverse supply chain. While the
government would not be expected to lead the effort, it would be critical
for the business community to work closely with policymakers. The government
would be relied on to offer tax incentives and attractive regulations to
support the business community underwriting expansion of digital
technologies.
[SOURCE: Technology Review, AUTHOR: Stuart N. Brotman]
(http://www.technologyreview.com/articles/brotman0302.asp)
JAMAICAN JAILS GOING ONLINE
Issue: Digital Divide
Maximum security prisoners in Jamaica may soon have access to the Internet.
As part of a rehabilitation program, Reverence for Life, the government is
considering adding an Internet component to give participants much needed
social, vocational and cognitive training. The program is the brain-child of
Camella Rhone, director general of Jamaica's Ministry of Industry, Commerce
and Technology. Initial hi-tech expertise and training will be provided by
Harvard University's Berkman Centre for Internet & Society, but the cost of
hardware, software and Internet access falls on the Jamaican government. A
country with a population of only 2.6 million, Rhone says that Jamaica can
not afford to give up on any adults, even prisoners. The country's prisons
will also serve as a perfect laboratory for the Berkman Centre.
[SOURCE: Wired News, AUTHOR: Mark Baard]
(http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,50403,00.html)
RADIO/TELEVISION
OWNERSHIP RULING IS LATEST BOON TO INDUSTRY ONCE SEEN AS DOOMED
Issue: Ownership
A recent decision by the Federal appeals court has given large television
networks new opportunities to increase profits and expand their reach. Heavy
lobbying has resulted in nearly a decade of loosening of regulatory
conditions that have allowed networks to own the programs they broadcast and
own more local television stations around the country. This week's ruling
would allow the large networks to own and operate cable systems. This
cross-ownership will give the networks increased negotiating power when
buying syndicated programs and increase their ability to cross-promote
programs. While the recent ruling may be a boon for the major networks, The
National Affiliated Stations Alliance has voiced fears that it will damage
local news coverage and hopes Congress or the FCC will step in to keep the
current limits on station ownership.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Bill Carter]
(http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/21/business/media/21NETW.html)
COPYRIGHT ARBITRATION PANEL SETS ROYALTY FEES FOR INTERNET RADIO BROADCASTS
Issue: Intellectual Property
A panel assigned by the US Copyright Office recommended that Webcasters pay
record companies 0.14 cents for each song streamed to Internet listeners.
Traditional radio stations should pay 0.07 cents for each tune that is
simulcast online from their AM/FM transmissions. The panel suggested rates
are approximately 10 times higher than what Webcasters proposed, but still
well below what the recording industry requested. The rate recommendation,
which still must receive official endorsement from the librarian of
Congress, also includes special rates for non-commercial Webcasting of
recorded music: 0.05 cents for each all-Internet play or 0.02 cents for
radio simulcasts.
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Steven Bonisteel]
(http://www.washtech.com/news/media/15268-1.html)
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