OWNERSHIP
FCC Preparing to Overhaul Telecom, Media Rules
FCC Proposal "Intellectually Flawed," Claims CDD
BROADCASTING
U.S. TV Shows Losing Potency Around World
INTERNET
Perspective: Do-Gooders Will Wreck the Internet
OWNERSHIP
FCC PREPARING TO OVERHAUL TELECOM, MEDIA RULES
"It's high noon at the FCC," says Commissioner Michael Copps of today's
deadline for comments on the review of the Commission's media ownership
rules. After months of debate, statements and public commentary, the Agency
prepares to discuss the proposed rules in earnest. Chairman Michael Powell
has dismissed the notion that he favors "mindless deregulation," noting that
the FCC is required by law to review the rules biennially and remove those
that are no longer serving a public interest purpose. Still, critics claim
that Powell's FCC will remove barriers to consolidation in an already
streamlined and sterile media environment. The article provides readers with
an excellent summary of all of the issues facing the Commission as well as
the positions of those who would be most effected.
[SOURCE: The Washington Post, AUTHOR: Jonathan Krim w/ Frank Ahrens]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3541-2003Jan2.html)
FCC PROPOSAL "INTELLECTUALLY FLAWED," CLAIMS CDD
With the deadline for filing comments upon them, groups of media experts
such as the Writers Guilds and the Federation of TV and Radio Artists
submitted evidence today that the Commission's proposed overhauling of media
ownership rules is unjustified. According to comments filed today, media
outlets in America are controlled by fewer owners, demonstrate less
diversity in content and offer fewer opportunities for creative expression.
Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, calls
the FCC's rationale "intellectually flawed," noting that the proposed
rulemaking would "[turn] over control of both old and new media to a tiny
handful of commercial giants, none of which will be required to act in the
public interest."
[SOURCE: Center for Digital Democracy]
(http://www.democraticmedia.org/news/cdd_fcc.htm)
BROADCASTING
U.S. TV SHOWS LOSING POTENCY AROUND WORLD
Once a dominant force in prime time television around the world, American TV
programs have fallen out of favor with foreign broadcasters and are more
likely to be found either on cable networks or in late-night slots. Prices
for American shows in the foreign market have risen tremendously while
demand for such programming has given way to demand for local content. A
distaste for the U.S.'s recent role in international affairs abroad has
contributed in part to this trend, but worries over the pervasiveness of
American culture in other countries is a more likely reason. "There has
always been a concern that the image of the world would be shaped too much
by American culture," said Dr. Jo Groebel, director general of the European
Institute for the Media.
[SOURCE: The New York Times, AUTHOR: Suzanne Kapner]
(http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/02/business/businessspecial/02TUBE.html)
INTERNET
PERSPECTIVE: DO-GOODERS WILL WRECK THE INTERNET
Public interest advocates are calling for stronger governmental oversight
and regulation of the Internet, or so believes Charles Cooper, executive
editor of commentary for CNET News. After years of unregulated individual
control, Cooper argues that global security concerns have led to calls for
more public involvement in the Internet's development. He questions
advocates' calls for multilateral international coalitions to make these
decisions, noting in particular that many nations do not share the same
values and some, such as China and Saudi Arabia, prohibit their citizens
from viewing a wide variety of content.
[SOURCE: CNET News, AUTHOR: Charles Cooper]
(http://news.com.com/2010-1071-978983.html?tag=fd_nc_1)
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