INTELLECUAL PROPERTY
Music, Technology Groups Agree on Copyright Plans
BROADCASTING
FCC Seen Laying Out Telecom Goals
NPR Receives $14 Million from MacArthur Foundation
DIGITAL DIVIDE
Class Gives Students Real-World Lesson in Technology
INTERNET
Iraq Pulls Plug on Email
INTELLECUAL PROPERTY
MUSIC, TECHNOLOGY GROUPS AGREE ON COPYRIGHT PLANS
Seeking to avoid federal regulation in their industry, the recording
industry and Silicon Valley's largest tech companies have reached an
agreement they believe will govern how consumers can use the copyrighted
material they purchase or download. Lobbyists for companies such as
Microsoft, IBM and Dell will argue against federal legislation aimed at
broadening consumer rights. In return, the Recording Industry Association of
America will no longer lobby for legislation requiring mandatory copyright
protection devices in new computer hardware. The Motion Picture Association
of America was a noticeable absentee in the landmark accord, which may
affect several bills under discussion in both houses of Congress.
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Associated Press]
(http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2003-01-14-copyright_x.htm)
BROADCASTING
FCC SEEN LAYING OUT TELECOM GOALS
All five FCC commissioners appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science and Transportation this morning. The panel was expected to answer
questions on a broad range of current topics, with local telephone and
broadband competition foremost among them. Other agenda items included media
ownership and spectrum management. Experts did not expect that the
commissioners would reveal specific policy positions or anticipated rulings.
[SOURCE: The Washington Post, AUTHOR: Reuters]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52624-2003Jan14.html)
NPR RECEIVES $14 MILLION FROM MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
In the largest grant in National Public Radio's 32-year history, the John D.
and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has awarded a $14 million grant to the
nation's leading provider of programming to public radio stations. The funds
come at a critical juncture as NPR expands domestic operations with the
opening of NPR West and increases its commitment to international reporting.
"Good information is critical to a well-functioning democracy, all the more
so as citizens confront complex issues of domestic and international
policy," said Jonathan F. Fanton, president of the MacArthur Foundation.
"NPR is a reliable source of objective information and thoughtful analysis
which places American issues and interests in a worldwide context."
[SOURCE: NPR]
(http://www.npr.org/about/press/030113.macarthur.html)
DIGITAL DIVIDE
CLASS GIVES STUDENTS REAL-WORLD LESSON IN TECHNOLOGY
What started as the empty corner of an old art classroom has turned into a
profitable Internet service provider to an underserved community. Outlaw
Net, the brainchild of Oregon schoolteacher Jon Renner, is also a proving
ground for high school students learning about how computers operate. His
goal in 1996 was simple -- bring Internet access to Sisters High School.
Employing students part-time to assist him, Renner developed a network that
provided dial-up access to more than 500 local households. Since then, the
service has expanded to high-speed DSL. Renner has turned the business over
to a full-time general manager, but he continues to teach students
everything from hardware troubleshooting to networking.
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Associated Press]
(http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2003-01-13-outlaw-net_x.htm)
INTERNET
IRAQ PULLS PLUG ON EMAIL
Following an electronic anti-Saddam campaign by the US, Iraq has blocked
access to email. Last week Washington launched an email offensive as part of
its "psychological warfare" campaign against Baghdad. One US email told
Iraqi government employees: "If you provide information on weapons of mass
destruction or you take steps to hamper their use, we will do what is
necessary to protect you and protect your families." The Internet is only
available over state servers in Iraq.
[SOURCE: BBC]
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2655315.stm)
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