Ten tears Ago... FCC Studies Media Ownership, School/Library Discounts for Internet Connections

TEN YEARS AGO...

FCC Studies Easing Rules of Ownership of Radio, TV Stations
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal 11/08/1996]
Federal regulators are considering a batch of proposals to relax the nation's radio and television ownership rules, a move prompted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Federal Communications Commission said it is studying easing rules that restrict ownership of radio and TV stations in the same market, and rules that limit ownership of local TV stations. Also under review are standards the agency uses to determine who owns a broadcast company. "In this increasingly competitive environment, broadcasters, including TV licensees, need greater ownership flexibility so that they can have a fair chance to compete," FCC Commissioner Rachelle Chong said. Earlier IN 1996, the FCC lifted rules that barred a broadcaster from owning more than 12 TV stations nationwide. Under the new law, broadcasters can own as many TV stations as they want as long as the stations together don't reach more than 35% of the nation's TV households.
http://online.wsj.com/PA2VJBNA4R/article/SB8474060744133500-search.html?...

Discounts Backed On Internet Costs
[SOURCE: Washington Post 11/08/1996, AUTHOR: Elizabeth Corcoran]
Grade schools and public libraries would receive hefty discounts on the costs of Internet access, internal wiring and communications services such as video conferencing beginning next school year under a plan unanimously approved by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. As much as $2.25 billion a year would fund the program, provided by the nation's communications companies. In mid-October 1996, during a campaign speech in Knoxville (TN), President Clinton said he supported giving grade schools and public libraries "free basic service to the Internet." Instead, the plan, which officials predicted would received formal federal approval, would provide discounts of 40 percent to 90 percent for all but about 3 percent of the nation's grade schools. The wealthiest ones would be eligible for smaller discounts. Vice President Gore said of the decision: "While it's true that it's not completely free for all schools, the package covers more services than we were originally proposing." FCC estimates that 1/3 of schools will receive discounts of at least 80%.
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