Communications-related Headlines for 4/12/2000

DIGITAL DIVIDE
Changing Girls' Attitudes About Computers (CyberTimes)

BROADCASTING
Broadcasters See A Digital Detente Between PC, TV (SJM)
Kennard Blasts Broadcasters Over Digital TV (WSJ)
Fighting Low Power Radio (FCC)
Vulgar Content on TV Rises, Despite Industry Vows, V-Chip (USA)

ECOMMERCE
Governors Criticize Internet Tax Panel (NYT)
Net Firms Soar on Campus Students Start E-Businesses
Amid Classes (USAToday)
E-Commerce: The New 'Copernican Revolution' (NTIA)

BROADBAND
Excite to offer high-speed Net service (USAToday)

LEGISLATION
Status of Deployment of Broadband Technologies (House)
Mark-Up Schedule (Senate)

JOURNALISM
AOL, AT&T May Be Talking, Fairly Reliable People Say (USAToday)
Belgrade Stepping Up Intimidation Of Journalists (NYT)

DIGITAL DIVIDE

CHANGING GIRLS' ATTITUDES ABOUT COMPUTERS
Issue: Digital Divide/Gender
As the San Jose Mercury reported yesterday, the American Association of
University Women Educational Foundation issued a new report, "Tech-Savvy:
Educating Girls in the New Computer Age," which recommends a number of ways
that girls could be encouraged to take an interest in technology.
Recommendations include: 1) Teachers should use computers in innovative ways
throughout the school curriculum, so that girls who are not necessarily
drawn to the computer lab might have their interest in computing sparked in,
say, a literature class; 2) Teachers should receive better training not only
in incorporating the computer into the classroom, but in ensuring that girls
as well as boys use the equipment; 3) Computer games and educational
software should display less gender bias; 4) Initiatives should be launched
to combat stereotypes that many girls have about the antisocial nature of
computer work; and 5) Support should be given to efforts to start computer
clubs and summer-school computer classes for girls.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Pamela Mendels at mendels( at )nytimes.com]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/04/cyber/education/12education.html)
One Reader Writes:
That females need encouragement is not news it's OLD NEWS -- The Educational
CyberPlayGround is a resource of people that know what to do, and that
should be of interest. Here are cool women that are doing it! 1) FEMALE
Ring Leaders on the PlayGround
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/ringleaders/Home_ringleaders.html), 2) Computer
Women Pioneers
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Teachers/cwomen.html), 3) More Women Pioneers
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/IEC/pioneers.html)
What you can do to help GRRLS get into technology! Here are all kinds of
resources, mentoring programs, projects, and links for helping girls using
science, math, technology, to cross that digital divide.
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Teachers/womengrrlstech.html). Best Online
Resources For Women and Minorities in Science and Technology
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Teachers/womenminoritiestech.html), The Gender
Divide The Digital Divide
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Teachers/digitaldivide.html), Bonnie Bracey -
Teacher Agent of Change
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/ringleaders/bonnie.html), Leni Donlan - Pioneer,
Creator of web curriculum and online collaborative projects
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/ringleaders/leni.html), March is Women's History
Month
(http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Teachers/womenmonth.html)

BROADCASTING

BROADCASTERS SEE A DIGITAL DETENTE BETWEEN PC, TV
Issue: Digital TV
Industry experts from both broadcasting and technology are now saying that
broadcast television and the Internet can exist simultaneously. Broadcasters
were once worried that the two media delivering content to divergent
audiences, would fragment the audience. Now they see potential for
co-existence among the two media that will ultimately boost their viewership
and advertising revenue. The concerns that the two media would compete for
the same audience has changed to enthusiasm over delivering content to
highly targeted viewers in the audience. "Fragmentation? Bring it on,"
declared Sumner Redstone, chairman of media giant Viacom Inc. In the past
years industry members argued over whether movies would be streamed through
to PCs or broadcast to TVs. Additionally, TV executives blamed the Internet
for lower ratings. But, now both sides see new video streaming on the
Internet, personal video recorders, two-way TV software, and digital set-top
boxes as changing the audience/broadcaster dynamic entirely.
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury, AUTHOR: Bob Tourtellotte]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/breaking/internet/docs/415715l.htm)

KENNARD BLASTS BROADCASTER OVER DIGITAL TV
Issue: Digital TV/Radio
FCC Chairman William Kennard "blasted" the broadcasting industry for not
fully embracing the conversion to digital television, fighting Congress on
Low-power FM radio and not doing enough public service. Speaking at the
National Association of Broadcasters annual convention in Las Vegas, the
chairman said he was frustrated with the industry. Kennard told the audience
that the switch to digital televisions would happen "as sure as day follows
night." While Kennard did praise the industry's adapting new technologies,
the high costs of converting TV stations to carry high-definition and
digital programming has been a particular sticking point for the industry.
NAB President Edward Fritts took issue with Kennard's remarks. Broadcasters
should be worried about "investing more than the asset value of their
stations" to convert to digital, if the FCC is not going to ensure that the
cable boxes will be able to carry the new signals, he said. Fritts also took
issue with Kennard's commenting that the NAB study showing $8.1 billion
spent on public-interest obligations was "interesting" but did not answer if
there were public needs not being served.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B4), AUTHOR: Joe Flint]
(http://interactive.wsj.com/articles/SB955488599367456353.htm)

FIGHTING LOW POWER RADIO
Issue: Radio
From Press Release: William E. Kennard, chairman of the Federal
Communications Commission, urged the nation's broadcasters to shift their
resources from fighting the introduction of Low Power FM Radio to exploring
the enormous opportunities prompted by the digital revolution. He made these
remarks at the Annual Convention of the National Association of Broadcasters
in Las Vegas and in phone conversations with Members of Congress and other
advocates on both sides of the Low Power FM issue. "Why," he asked, "amidst
all this opportunity for broadcasters, have you chosen to muster your
considerable resources to deny churches and schools and community-based
organizations just a little piece of the broadcast pie? What this is about
is fear of new entrants in the market," he said. "It is no different from
the battles to kill low power TV, cable TV, satellite radio and satellite
television." Chairman Kennard warned the broadcasters that, while they were
consumed by the Low Power FM fight, they were missing opportunities brought
about by emerging digital technologies. He cited examples of companies and
industries that were seizing the digital opportunity and urged broadcasters
to join them enthusiastically.
See full text of speech (http://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Kennard/2000/spwek010.html)
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Miscellaneous/News_Releases/2000/nrmc0017.html)

VULGAR CONTENT ON TV RISES, DESPITE INDUSTRY VOWS, V-CHIP
Issue: Content
[EDITORIAL] Two years ago, broadcasters were touting the V-chip, combined
with new program ratings, as the answer to parents' outrage over television
sex and violence. In those two years neither the V-chip nor the broadcasters
have lived up to their promise. Three major networks have failed to promote
the V-chip's use through public service spots. Since Jan. 1, ABC, NBC and
Fox combined have shown the spots only five times, according to Federal
Communications Commissioner Gloria Tristani. The National Association of
Broadcasters defends itself by saying the V-chip has filtered into enough
homes through new television set purchases. But there's evidence that the
broadcasters have not been "willing to wait before ratcheting up the
raunchiness of their programs." The Parents Television Council (PTC), which
looked at four weeks of programming last fall in the 8 p.m.-11 p.m. time
slot, totaled up 1,173 vulgarities (nearly five per hour) on six networks. The
rate is five times higher than in 1989. While "hell" and "damn" are among
that count, the group also found prime-time examples of "bastard," "bitch"
and other strong language. The industry bought into the rating and V-chip
system and then promised FCC that it would help educate the public. Instead,
broadcasters have turned up the dial on sex and foul language.
[SOURCE: USA Today (28A), AUTHOR: USA Today Editorial Staff]
(http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000412/2137027s.htm)

ECOMMERCE

GOVERNORS CRITICIZE INTERNET TAX PANEL
Issue: Ecommerce
By last night, 36 governors had signed a letter to be delivered to Congress
denouncing the Internet tax commission as a forum for special interests who
are seeking tax breaks. The most important reason to oppose the Internet tax
commission's report "is that it would substantially interfere with state
sovereignty," the governors wrote. "The U.S. Constitution was very clear in
both ensuring state sovereignty and creating a critical balance between
federal and state authority. For well over 200 years the federal government
has respected state sovereignty and has been extremely careful not to
interfere with the states' ability to independently raise revenues. This
proposal would dramatically undercut this precedent," the governors wrote.
The letter also says that the Internet tax commission ignored its mandate,
instead pursuing special interest tax breaks sought by companies with seats
on the commission. "Instead of addressing the requirements laid out in the
law to recommend a new state and local sales tax system to provide for
fairness and balance," the governors wrote, "the proposal chose to use this
opportunity to seek a host of new and expensive special tax breaks. We urge
you to reject the report." The letter was signed by 19 Republicans, 15
Democrats and two independents, Jesse Ventura of Minnesota and Angus King of
Maine.
[SOURCE: New York Times (C6), AUTHOR: David Cay Johnston]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/04/biztech/articles/12tax.html)
See Also:
INTERNET TAX PANEL TO DELIVER REPORT
The Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce Report is set to be delivered
to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott
(R-MS) at a ceremony at the Capitol this morning.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E3), AUTHOR: John Schwartz]
(http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56785-2000Apr11.html)

NET FIRMS SOAR ON CAMPUS STUDENTS START E-BUSINESSES AMID CLASSES
Issue: Ecommerce
Commercial Space Available: Great Cambridge, Mass. space to be shared. Rent
is $35,400, includes all utilities, meal plan and 10 undergraduate level
classes. Interested parties should submit SAT scores.
Amid the massive growth of undergrad-run start-ups, Harvard University has
reversed its long-ignored policy against running businesses out of dorm
rooms. And as students have amazing access to technology and plenty of spare
time, more universities are likely to follow suit. This rush to start and
run businesses is popular (and even more popular in the news media), but it
does come at a cost. "It can be very stressful," Geoffrey Cook, a Harvard
College senior says. "I was a better student last year. I go to half my
classes."
[SOURCE: USA Today (1B), AUTHOR: Stephanie Armour]
(http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000412/2137057s.htm)

E-COMMERCE: THE NEW 'COPERNICAN REVOLUTION'
Issue: Ecommerce
Remarks by Assistant Secretary Rohde at the National Association of
Broadcasters E-Commerce Supersession, April 11, 2000. NTIA Dir.Greg Rohde
highlighted opportunities for broadcasters in online world; broadcasters are
well-positioned to make billions from e-commerce. But Dir Rohde warned that
some radio and TV stations could be inviting regulation: an informal study
by the Commerce Dept has revealed that broadcasters' Web sites are doing a
poor job of disclosing what, if anything, would be done with personal data
given by site visitors.
[SOURCE: NTIA]
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/speeches/nab41100.htm)

BROADBAND

EXCITE TO OFFER HIGH-SPEED NET SERVICE
Issue: Broadband
Seeking to increase its reach, Excite At Home announced Tuesday that it
would begin providing high-speed Internet access through digital subscriber
line (DSL) connections in cities where the local cable operator isn't
affiliated with the company. The offering is a joint venture with Rhythms
NetConnections [why isn't it AT&T?], which provides DSL service in 46
markets. The deal will increase Excite At Home's potential market by 15.3
million households over the next two years. "This is the first of several
platform extensions," says Adam Grosser, president of subscriber networks
for Excite At Home.
[SOURCE: USA Today (6B), AUTHOR: David Lieberman]
(http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000412/2136998s.htm)

LEGISLATION

STATUS OF DEPLOYMENT OF BROADBAND TECHNOLOGIES
Issue: Broadband
The audio archive of the 4/11/2000 hearing by the Subcommittee on
Telecommunications, Trade, & Consumer Protection on the Status of Deployment
of Broadband Technologies is now available at the link below.
Representatives of Internet companies, nonprofit groups, health care
organizations, rural development councils and state telecom consortia told
the subcommittee to promote efforts to close the digital divide.
Subcommittee members heard witnesses called on them to encourage deployment
of broadband services to isolated rural areas and poor, inner-city
communities through legislative changes, subsidies and/or market reforms.
But few witnesses pressed lawmakers for specific remedies, leaving it to
Subcommittee Chmn.Tauzin (R-LA) to promote his bill (HR-2420) to lift
restrictions on Bell companies offering high-speed data services across
state lines. "We ought to let our markets work," Rep Tauzin said, repeatedly
calling for removal of regulatory "barriers" blocking installation of
high-speed telephone lines."We ought to free our people."
[SOURCE: House of Representatives]
(http://com-notes.house.gov/media/040112000ttcp.ram)

MARK-UP SCHEDULE
Issue: Legislation
Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation, announced the following tentative agenda for the mark-up
scheduled for Thursday, April 13, at 9:30 a.m. in room 253 of the Russell
Senate Office Building: 1) Mobile Telecoms Sourcing Act. S.1755: The bill
would replace the thousands of different state, local, federal taxes and
charges on wireless telephone bills with uniform charges. S.1755 was
introduced by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) on October 20, 1999, and a
hearing was held on March 7. 2) Technology Administration Authorization Act,
S.1407: The bill authorizes appropriations for the Technology Administration
of the Department of Commerce for fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002. The
bill was introduced by Senator Bill Frist (R-TN), Chairman of the Science,
Technology, and Space Subcommittee, on July 21, 1999, and a hearing was held
on April 21, 1999. 3) Electronic Commerce Technology Promotion Act, S.1912:
The bill facilitates the growth of the electronic commerce by promoting its
use within federal government agencies and small and medium-sized
businesses. Senator Frist introduced the bill on November 10, 1999, and a
hearing was held on October 28, 1999. 4) Next Generation Internet, S.2046:
The bill reauthorizes the Next Generation Internet Act for fiscal years 2000
through 2003. It increases research and development funds to develop the
next hi-speed test bed to be used by federal agencies, universities and
laboratories. Senator Frist introduced the bill on February 9, 2000.
[SOURCE: US Senate]
(http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/press/106-151.html)

JOURNALISM

AOL, AT&T MAY BE TALKING, FAIRLY RELIABLE PEOPLE SAY
Issue: Journalism
[Op-Ed] Kevin Maney tosses several barbs at the speculative nature of
reporting on merger mania with the following statement: "America Online and
AT&T are on the verge of dividing up the cable modem world like Stalin and
Roosevelt at Yalta, say friends of mine in the industry who also said they'd
drop a hungry ferret in my shorts if I named them." Maney goes on to suggest
that in these days of convergence, an AT&T-AOL merger would make sense for
both companies. Their combined assets, which include Excite At Home (which
AT&T controls) and Time Warner's Road Runner high-speed Internet access
service would no doubt benefit by being partnered, particularly with AOL's
content source, Time Warner. Maney also points out that if the two companies
are not talking, they should, because if they don't, "they'll end up
colliding and stepping all over each other and never reach all the customers
they want to."
[SOURCE: USA Today (3B), AUTHOR: Kevin Maney]
(http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000412/2137054s.htm)

BELGRADE STEPPING UP INTIMIDATION OF JOURNALISTS
Issue: Journalism/International
As an executed journalist was mourned in Belgrade, opposition politicians
and journalists showed solidarity as the government continues to intimidate
and impoverish the independent press. Under the 1998 Public Information Law,
journalists can be fined for criticizing the government. "The government can
now do whatever they want, but we will defend our rights," said one journalist.
[SOURCE: New York Times (A5), AUTHOR: Steven Erlanger]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/world/europe/041200yugo-journalists.html)

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