OWNERSHIP/DIVERSITY
Former Gannett CEO Neuharth Crusades for Media Diversity
FCC Turmoil Leaves Some Guessing on Media Rules
INTERNET
DSL Customers Brace for Higher Prices
Tech for Elders Must Have Purpose
OWNERSHIP/DIVERSITY
FORMER GANNETT CEO NEUHARTH CRUSADES FOR MEDIA DIVERSITY
Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today and former CEO of Gannett Co., Inc.,
called for newspapers to make a renewed commitment to a diverse staff and to
find ways to attract young readers. In a speech at Rochester Institute of
Technology, Neuharth noted that newspapers are failing to attract "our
increasingly diverse potential audience," adding that "[t]oo many
middle-aged white men still make the decisions. And too many of them still
don't get it."
[SOURCE: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, AUTHOR: Matthew Daneman]
(http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0221story19_news.shtml)
FCC TURMOIL LEAVES SOME GUESSING ON MEDIA RULES
FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin's departure from his Republican colleagues on
last week's vote on broadband regulations has raised questions about his
stance on other issues, including changes in the rules governing media
ownership. Martin maintains that no future behavior should be inferred by
last week's decision, and he has publicly agreed with Chairman Michael
Powell that the rule preventing a company from owning a television station
and newspaper in the same market may be unnecessary. However, Martin's
public silence on other issues, such more flexible market share caps on
cable and television operators, has left the door open to speculation from
lobbyists and observers.
[SOURCE: Yahoo! News, AUTHOR: Jeremy Pelofsky, Reuters/Variety]
(http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20030224/media_nm/fcc)
INTERNET
DSL CUSTOMERS BRACE FOR HIGHER PRICES
Small broadband Internet service providers around the US already fear the
potential fallout from the Federal Communication Commission's decision on
Thursday to deregulate part of the broadband industry. Groups such as the
18-member Ruby Ranch Internet Co-op in Colorado may see their monthly lease
rates for lines provided by Qwest Communications increase six fold over the
next three years. The measure enacted by the FCC was intended to increase
competition and lower prices while stimulating investment in broadband
infrastructure development in underserved areas, a proposition that the
Bells see as unlikely. "This decision will result in less choice and
increased prices for consumers and small businesses," Covad Chief Executive
Charles Hoffman said in a statement Thursday.
[SOURCE: CNET News, AUTHOR: Ben Charny]
(http://news.com.com/2100-1033-985601.html?tag=fd_top)
TECH FOR ELDERS MUST HAVE PURPOSE
Assistive technology could be a boon to senior citizens, as long as it is
both easy to use and comes in familiar packages, researchers say. Developers
are experimenting with technologies that will help seniors' motor skills and
cognitive abilities. Some applications include a personal GPS system to
ensure that the user takes the proper path on public transportation, and a
robot that can interact with patients while walking them through a nursing
home, reminding them of appointments and responding to questions.
[SOURCE: Wired News, AUTHOR: Mark Baard]
(http://www.wired.com/news/gizmos/0,1452,57429,00.html)
----------------------------------------------------------------------