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For upcoming media policy events, see http://www.benton.org/calendar.htm

BROADBAND
Muni Broadband Finding Its Stride
Does Energy Policy Act Spell Doom of Municipal Networks?
Bring Back Home Rule -- The State of Telecom 100 Years Ago & Today
Here Comes Your 19th Telecom Meltdown
Net Losses
Uncertainty About BPL Classification Seen in Wake of FCC Order
In La., Model Problems For A Broadband Pioneer

MEDIA
Bully Pulpit
More TVs Slammed For 'Impaired' Coverage
NAB Comes Up With New Short List of Presidential Candidates

QUICKLY -- NCAA Recommends Alcohol Ad Limits; ABC Labels WGA Complaint
'Meritless'; Anti-Porn Group Targets Cox; 'Vacationing' Bush Controls News
Agenda; New Sprint Nextel will focus on 3rd screen

BROADBAND

MUNI BROADBAND FINDING ITS STRIDE
the debate about whether municipalities should be funding or creating
high-speed Internet networks has a back-to-the-future quality.
Technological advances, dissatisfaction with the nation's broadband pace
over the past several years, and the dynamics of convergence have led
"digital municipalism" to hit its stride. The issue is squarely part of any
rewrite of the nation's telecommunications laws. Bills now in Congress
could bar states from allowing municipal broadband in areas served by the
private sector, and on the other hand are measures to pre-empt the 14
states that do band or restrict the provision of municipal broadband. It is
something the United States has not seen in seven decades, at least since
the progressive and New Deal era: a debate about whether the state, either
instead of or competing with the private sector, should own "the means of
production" in an information age. Many proponents look back a century for
historical guidance from the country's experience in publicly provided
rural electrification.
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: Drew Clark]
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-KAZO1123617399581.html

DOES ENERGY POLICY ACT SPELL DOOM OF MUNICIPAL NETWORKS?
With the signing of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Public Utilities
Holding Company Act has been repealed. PUHCA was a part of the New Deal
legislation, passed in 1935 in response to corruption and scandals in the
energy companies of the time. PUHCA was meant to protect consumers against
business dealings that could threaten the reliability of the energy
utilities. In brief, PUHCA enabled extensive regulation of the size,
spread, business type and finances of the holding companies that owned and
operated the energy utilities. Much of PUHCA focused on mergers and
acquisitions. Any mergers -- such as the recently-announced Duke-Cynergy
combo -- would be subject to rules on the location of the merging
companies, the diversity of holdings the post-merger entity could have, and
the amount of debt the resulting company could hold; such mergers would
also be subject to close scrutiny by the Securities Exchange Commission.
The goal of PUHCA was to prevent the kinds of cross-dealing and subsidiary
"looting" that became increasingly commonplace among owners of utilities in
the early days of the Great Depression. the repeal of PUHCA means that
public utility companies are now fair game for buyouts and consolidation.
One likely scenario is that we see a process of merger and acquisition in
the energy utility market akin to that in the telecommunications arena.
Moreover, as major global energy companies such as ExxonMobil and
ChevronTexaco have been at the forefront of efforts to get PUHCA repealed,
it's highly likely that they -- along with other energy majors -- will look
to spend some of their recent windfall profits on utility acquisition,
buying not just the power supply businesses, but the customer information.
But it need not be an oil firm buying up utilities; billionaire investors
and non-energy industry companies could just as easily buy up local
utilities. What might Wal*Mart Power & Light look like? or Microsoft
Edison? Or General Electric Gas & Electric (GEG&E)?
[SOURCE: WorldChanging, AUTHOR: Jamais Cascio]
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003264.html
* Says Dave Isenberg: "More surely than Brand X, more surely than the
Martin FCC, More surely than The Ensign BICCA Bill and The Pete Sessions
SBC Bill, the repeal of PUHCA will discourage, prevent and destroy
municipal networks."
http://isen.com/blog/2005/08/bush-energy-bill-bye-bye-municipal.html
(Thanks to Jim Baller for these links)

BRING BACK HOME RULE -- THE STATE OF TELECOM 100 YEARS AGO & TODAY
[Commentary] I was recently speaking with the CEO of one of the major US
wireless providers about the place of non-incumbents in creating
telecommunication infrastructure. After a beer or two we ended up
discussing telecommunications history (one of my favorite subjects) and I
promised to send along some background information on one of the most
exciting periods -- back at the turn of the last century -- 1894 (when the
Bell system's patents on the telephone expired) through the early 1900s. I
think this information would prove extremely useful to current policy
debate (especially given the current state and national debates to limit
municipal broadband) -- so I've decided to put it out there publicly to see
how other folks might utilize it. If nothing else, it provides a cautionary
tale for those seeking to limit consumer's choices. Pulitzer Prize winner
Paul Starr wrote a book called, "The Creation of the Media: Political
Origins of Modern Communications." Chapter 6 focuses on "Telephone, Cable,
and Wireless." It's definitely worth the read; however, for those on the
go, here's some choice excerpts concerning the Home Rule Movement. After
1893 there was an explosion of interest in wire-line communications. Starr
writes: From 1894 until 1907 (and continuing in lesser degree for another
decade), the market broke open with a surge of independent commercial and
nonprofit cooperative telephone enterprises. This opening, more than any
other development, propelled the popular takeoff of the telephone in
America, expanding its geographical range and allowing consumers to push
its evolution in directions the Bell System had not planned." More at the
URL below...
[SOURCE: Sascha Meinrath]
http://www.saschameinrath.com/node/175

HERE COMES YOUR 19TH TELECOM MELTDOWN
[Commentary] You don't know it yet, but you want your IPTV -- short for
Internet protocol television. It's the only live hope for getting this
country wired with high-capacity broadband the way our economic competitors
Japan and South Korea are wired. Well, forget about it. Sure, IPTV would
fulfill the promise of access to all the world's video, liberated from the
dictates of program schedulers, manageable from whatever TV, cell phone or
computer might be at hand, even when far from home. And yes, not only is
there a large pool of capital available to bring you this nirvana, but a
motive. America's Baby Bells still produce billions in cash flow from their
obsolescing voice networks and IPTV is the only business proposition on the
horizon that might rescue them from a strategic cul-de-sac. You'd be
forgiven also for thinking the regulatory ducks are finally in a row after
a decade of court fights. Not quite. The Federal Communications Commission
has worked hard to free up networks to deliver bits that arrive as Web
pages, email, movie downloads, etc. Where the FCC has lost its nerve is
failing to extend the same freedom to bits that arrive looking like what
you're used to getting from a TV broadcaster. Result: IPTV is in danger of
being euthanized in its crib by 33,000 franchise boards in every hamlet in
the country, which insist that because it looks like cable TV it must be
treated like cable TV. That means running the same gantlet of local
permissions to deliver TV that cable ran 30 years ago, a process that can
take months or years for each town. "Where's the Bush administration?" many
are asking. The White House talks often enough about the urgency of getting
America wired for broadband, yet has been AWOL in most of the regulatory
fights so far. Sooner or later, Wall Street is bound to begin noticing just
how precarious is the future of the four big bells -- which includes
BellSouth and Qwest -- notwithstanding their combined market cap of $230
billion. Their residential voice business is being eaten alive, with no
salvation in sight -- except for IPTV.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Holman Jenkins]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112362786170209176,00.html?mod=todays...
(requires subscription)

NET LOSSES
[Commentary] The commission declared that the phone companies' DSL
offerings are an "information service," not a "communications service."
This move put DSL operators on the same regulatory footing as cable TV
companies' high-speed services, which is only fair, given how similar the
two products are. But it also opened the door to potential abuses that
could threaten openness on the Internet. The shift could wipe out the
competition that local phone and cable companies face from independent
Internet providers. The concern is that this could make it easier for cable
and phone companies to cut deals with online content or shopping sites,
then try to steer traffic toward those sites at the expense of others on
the Web. Tech companies also worry that broadband providers will dictate
the equipment people are allowed to connect to the Net, the services they
can use and the applications they can run. Congress and the FCC should act
swiftly to generate more competition for cable and phone operators from
other broadband providers. That type of competition would not only help
keep prices down, but preserve the qualities of the Net that make it so
valuable.
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-fcc10aug10,1,2313...
(requires registration)

UNCERTAINTY ABOUT BPL CLASSIFICATION IN WAKE OF FCC ORDER
Is broadband service provider over power lines (BPL) considered an
information service like cable modem and DSL now are? BPL providers are
guessing "yes" but, apparently the Order adopted last week applies only to
DSL service. The FCC order should apply to BPL, said Scott Cleland of the
Precursor Group: "There is no reason
why anybody should be talking about regulating BPL. It is clearly an
information service; it's clearly a new entrant." He said he would be
"flabbergasted" if anyone considered treating BPL more negatively than DSL
or cable modems: "It's not going to happen." However, Coleman Bazelon,
Analysis Group vp, said the FCC order didn't directly apply to BPL: "It was
specific to classification of DSL service." But whether it directly
addresses BPL or not, he said, the order "certainly speaks to the FCC's
point of view and would have great implications for BPL."
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Dinesh Kumar]
(Not available online)

IN LA, MODEL PROBLEMS FOR A BROADBAND PIONEER
An update on Lafayette, Louisiana's municipal network -- and fight with
BellSouth and Cox Cable. In the wake of a successful public vote approving
the project, the state's Public Service Commission is set to rule Sept. 1
on additional funding issues, setting off what is expected to be a
month-long war of words between the city and private industry. A final
ruling from the PSC could set a precedent in the state, as Lafayette is the
only city in Louisiana attempting a fiber-based municipally owned broadband
project. The state has functioning municipal wireless efforts in Baton
Rouge, New Orleans, Vivian and Washington, and another under consideration
in Lake Charles.
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: Chloe Albanesius]
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-VDWW1123617858885.html

MEDIA

BULLY PULPIT
The answer is Kenneth Y. Tomlinson. As chairman of the Corporation for
Public Broadcasting (CPB), Tomlinson has spent the last two years living a
conservative fantasy--making life hell for NPR and PBS. While these antics
have spurred outraged op-eds and an inspector general's investigation,
another Tomlinson scandal has gone largely unnoticed. For the last three
years, Tomlinson has moonlighted as chairman of the BBG--which controls
networks that are among the most important vehicles for public diplomacy.
Given the rampant anti-Americanism in the world these days, that makes this
job arguably more consequential than his rule over Oscar the Grouch and
Garrison Keillor. Unfortunately, he hasn't treated the BBG with any greater
gravitas. He has deployed a similar set of tactics: purging the bureaucracy
of political enemies, zealously rooting out perceived "liberal bias," and
generally politicizing institutions that have resisted ideological
intrusions for decades. One of Tomlinson's fellow broadcasting governors
said, "In every story about the CPB, you could substitute BBG."
[SOURCE: The New Republic, AUTHOR: Franklin Foer]
https://ssl.tnr.com/p/docsub.mhtml?i=20050815&s=foer081505
(subscription required)

MORE TVs SLAMMED FOR 'IMPAIRED' COVERAGE
The FCC Tuesday proposed fining two Florida TV stations, WBBH and WZVN of
Fort Myers, Fla., $24,000 apiece for three separate violations of its
requirement that TV stations and cable operators "provide people with
hearing disabilities the same access to emergency information as those with
unimpaired hearing." The violations came during coverage of Hurricane
Charley in August 2004. The stations, which dropped regular programming in
favor of simulcasting 24-hour hurricane coverage failed to provide visual
warnings to accompany the news that a causeway was closed, that an
evacuation of one area had been issued, and that residents in another area
were advised not evacuate but stay where they were. The stations did not
dispute the omissions, but said they didn't feel the information was
critical and that that decision fell within the discretion the FCC gave
stations to decide when such information was important enough to warrant
the on-screen visuals, which can include captions, crawls and graphics. The
FCC concluded instead that the information was obviously critical, that
stations have discretion over only non-critical disaster information, and
that to interpret the "good faith discretion" to include the cited
omissions would be to "swallow the rule and render it wholly ineffective."
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA633474?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

NAB COMES UP WITH NEW SHORT LIST OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
The National Association of Broadcasters is still looking for a replacement
for Eddie Fritts (send your resume to executive search firm Spencer
Stuart). Apparently, there is a short list of candidates that includes: 1)
Mitch Rose, former chief of staff for Senate Commerce Committee Chairman
Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska).
Rose is a vice president of government relations for Walt Disney. 2) Lisa
Hook, outgoing president of AOL Broadband, Premium
& Developer Services. She was an FCC mass media adviser under then-Chairman
Dennis Patrick. 3) Also a candidate: the man who first won your heart
playing "Gopher" on the TV series "Love Boat," Fred Grandy. He's now a
former IA congressman. He spent 5 years after leaving office heading
Goodwill Industries. During his tenure, annual revenue nearly doubled to
$1.6 billion, according to his biography. 4) David Rehr, President of the
National Beer Wholesalers Association, is also on the list. Rehr, who took
over as President of the beer association in 2000, has a political
background. He was dir.-federal govt. relations for the National Federation
of Independent businesses, worked for former Rep. Vin Weber (R-Minn.) and
was a staff member for the House Small Business Committee. Another
possibility is Marty Franks, exec. vp at CBS. A decision could be made as
early as October; Mr. Fritts steps down in April.
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Tania Panczyk-Collins]
(Not available online)

QUICKLY

NCAA RECOMMENDS ALCOHOL AD LIMITS
The National Collegiate Athletic Association's executive committee has
recommended that its over 1,000 member colleges limit TV and radio ads for
beer, wine and malt beverages (the so-called "alcopops") to 60 seconds per
hour, up to a total of 2 minutes per game, and to ban distilled spirit ads
altogether. The NCAA already imposes those limits on the 88 collegiate
championships it oversees, but Friday the board voted to recommend that all
schools adopt the policy for their college sports contests.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA633354?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

ABC LABELS WGA COMPLAINT 'MERITLESS'
ABC's response to yesterday's story: "ABC filed charges against The Writers
Guild of America, East, six weeks ago alleging their refusal to bargain in
good faith, and this charge is currently under investigation by the
National Labor Relations Board. In regards to the charges filed by the
WGAE today, while we don't normally comment on pending litigation, we
believe there is absolutely no merit to these allegations."
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA633244?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

ANTI-PORN GROUP TARGETS COX
The Alliance for a Safer Internet is taking aim at Cox's high-speed-data
service. The group said Tuesday that it is launching a petition drive to
get Cox to halt its distribution of Usenet newsgroups. "Cox is distributing
newsgroups that are generally known to carry child pornography and other
obscene images," Alliance for a Safer Internet president Paul Cardin said
in a prepared statement. "It's been going on for years, and it's time that
Cox put an end to it."
[SOURCE: Multichannel News]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA633286.html?display=Breaking+News
(requires subscription)

'VACATIONING' BUSH CONTROLS NEWS AGENDA
President Bush's August holidays also demonstrate how the administration
adroitly times and airs its message. With Congress out of session, many
Washington agencies on a vacation schedule and a traveling contingent of
White House reporters cooling their heels in Crawford (TX), President Bush
can count on dictating news coverage with a series of events that rely
heavily on rhetoric and skimp on audience participation.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Christopher Cooper
christopher.cooper( at )wsj.com]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112363487299609366,00.html?mod=todays...
(requires subscription)

NEW SPRINT NEXTEL WILL FOCUS ON 3RD SCREEN
Sprint and Nextel have a game plan for the future, and it's not what you
might think. The playbook goes like this: Merge the two companies to create
a wireless giant, then transform the combined company -- yet again -- into
a broadband Bigfoot that can compete head-on with Verizon and SBC
Communications.
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR:]
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20050810/sprintnextel10.art.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------
Communications-related Headlines is a free online news summary service
provided by the Benton Foundation (www.benton.org). Posted Monday through
Friday, this service provides updates on important industry developments,
policy issues, and other related news events. While the summaries are
factually accurate, their often informal tone does not always represent the
tone of the original articles. Headlines are compiled by Kevin Taglang
(headlines( at )benton.org) -- we welcome your comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------

BROADBAND DAY AT THE FCC
FCC Reduces Regulation of Wireline Internet Access Service
As Web Providers' Clout Grows, Fears Over Access Take Focus
FCC Adopts Policy Statement on Broadband Internet Access
FCC Requires Certain Broadband and VoIP Providers to Accommodate Wiretaps
FCC Modifies Rules to Provide Greater Access to Spectrum for Rural Provide=
rs
FCC Approves Radio-Spectrum Auction

CABLE
Judiciary Committees May Hold Hearings into Adelphia Deal
Universal Fund Changes Are Coming

QUICKLY -- Children=92s Media Policy Coalition Asks NAB for Clarity; Martin=
=20
Names Chief Engineer & Economist; Small Ops Practicing Art of Retrans=20
'War=92; BellSouth and CWA Reach Settlement; Nielsen in Political Fight; NB=
C=20
Universal Aims to Be Prettiest Feather in G.E.'s Cap; AOL Purchases=20
Wildseed; Why I Don't Trust Readers

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE/REACTION TO FCC DSL ORDER

BROADBAND DAY AT THE FCC

FCC REDUCES REGULATION OF WIRELINE INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE
The FCC voted at its open meeting Friday to reduce regulation of wireline=
=20
Internet access service by reclassifying it as an =93information service,=
=94 in=20
line with the FCC=92s treatment of cable modem service. The US Supreme Cour=
t=20
in June upheld the agency=92s cable modem classification in the Brand X cas=
e,=20
triggering action on the wireline companion piece which had been placed on=
=20
hold during the litigation. DSL is the most common wireline Internet access=
=20
service. The order basically eliminates the requirement that the Bells=20
unbundle the broadband transmission part of their Internet services and=20
offer the transmission component separately as a common carrier service=20
that other carriers can lease. The action eliminated other Computer Inquiry=
=20
requirements as well. The Computer Inquiry requirements, aimed at keeping=
=20
telephone companies from exerting market power, no longer are necessary in=
=20
=93today=92s market of multiple platforms,=94 FCC Chairman Kevin Martin sai=
d at=20
the meeting. The order offers a grace period, however -- facilities-based=
=20
wireline broadband providers must keep offering Internet access=20
transmission service to unaffiliated ISPs for a year. Importantly, wireline=
=20
broadband providers must continue to contribute to the universal service=20
fund (USF) at current levels for 270 days or until new contribution rules=
=20
are devised, whichever comes first. If the Commission doesn't pass new=20
contribution rules in 270 days, the Commission =93will take whatever action=
=20
is necessary=94 including extending the 270-day period or expanding the=20
contribution base.
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Edie Herman]
(Not available online)
* This news was not unexpected. There's a good deal of coverage and=20
reaction which you can find at the bottom of this email.

AS WEB PROVIDERS' CLOUT GROWS, FEARS OVER ACCESS TAKE FOCUS
An increasingly heated debate pits phone and cable companies, which offer=
=20
high-speed Internet access to consumers, against tech giants such as=20
Microsoft, Google and Yahoo as well as providers of online content, such as=
=20
Walt Disney. Advocates of so-called net neutrality argue that what's at=20
stake is no less than the future of the World Wide Web. As more and more=20
Americans turn to high-speed connections, or broadband, for their access to=
=20
the Internet, the power of the phone and cable companies that provide this=
=20
access has grown. Technology has evolved allowing the broadband companies=
=20
to block Web sites from their customers. If they start using this power to=
=20
promote their own commercial content offerings and weed out rivals, say=20
critics, the innovative and free-wheeling Web could be crippled. So far,=20
evidence of such tinkering is scarce, and broadband providers -- and many=
=20
regulators -- scoff that the market would never let them censor the Web.=20
But conflicts of interest have arisen in the past when owners of=20
information pipelines have incentives to favor one company over another.=20
Airlines, for instance, built the original computer-reservation services=20
for travel agencies, and programmed them to push flights by the airline=20
that owned the system to the top of agents' screens -- until the government=
=20
intervened in 1984. On Friday, the FCC waded into the debate when it issued=
=20
new rules for data services provided by telephone companies. The new rules=
=20
release phone companies from an obligation to share their high-speed=20
Internet lines, known as DSL, with rival providers of Internet service. The=
=20
move, a victory for Bell companies, puts them on an equal footing with=20
cable-television providers, which offer their own version of high-speed=20
Internet through cable connections. But critics say the unanimous FCC=20
decision strips away some of the rules designed to protect consumers'=20
rights -- including the ability to freely access the Internet. In place of=
=20
a strict policy on free access, the FCC instead on Friday issued a=20
statement saying consumers have a right to freely use legal Internet=20
applications and services.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Amy Schatz Amy.Schatz( at )wsj.com and=20
Anne Marie Squeo annemarie.squeo( at )wsj.com]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112346142615607167,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
us_page_one
(requires subscription)

FCC ADOPTS POLICY STATEMENT ON BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS
The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a policy statement that=
=20
outlines four principles to encourage broadband deployment and preserve and=
=20
promote the open and interconnected nature of public Internet: 1) consumers=
=20
are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice; 2)=20
consumers are entitled to run applications and services of their choice,=20
subject to the needs of law enforcement; 3) consumers are entitled to=20
connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network; and 4)=
=20
consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application=
=20
and service providers, and content providers. Although the Commission did=
=20
not adopt rules in this regard, it will incorporate these principles into=
=20
its ongoing policymaking activities. All of these principles are subject=
=20
to reasonable network management.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260435A1.doc
* FCC Warming to Network Neutrality
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632773.html?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

FCC REQUIRES CERTAIN BROADBAND AND VOIP PROVIDERS TO ACCOMMODATE WIRETAPS
Responding to a petition from the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau=
=20
of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal=20
Communications Commission determined that providers of certain broadband=20
and interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services must be=20
prepared to accommodate law enforcement wiretaps. The Commission found that=
=20
these services can essentially replace conventional telecommunications=20
services currently subject to wiretap rules, including circuit-switched=20
voice service and dial-up Internet access. As replacements, the new=20
services are covered by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement=
=20
Act, or CALEA, which requires the Commission to preserve the ability of law=
=20
enforcement agencies to conduct court-ordered wiretaps in the face of=20
technological change.
The Order is limited to facilities-based broadband Internet access service=
=20
providers and VoIP providers that offer services permitting users to=20
receive calls from, and place calls to, the public switched telephone=20
network. These VoIP providers are called interconnected VoIP providers.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260434A1.doc
* FCC Issues Rule Allowing FBI to Dictate Wiretap-Friendly Design for=20
Internet Services
http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2005_08.php#003876
* FCC schizo on DSL, wiretapping
http://news.com.com/FCC+schizo+on+DSL%2C+wiretapping/2010-1071_3-5821077...
ml?tag=3Dnefd.ac

FCC MODIFIES ADVANCED WIRELESS SERVICES RULES TO PROVIDE GREATER=20
FLEXIBILITY AND ACCESS TO SPECTRUM FROM SMALL RURAL PROVIDERS
In an Order on Reconsideration adopted Friday, the Federal Communications=
=20
Commission (FCC) advanced its efforts to make spectrum available for an=20
array of innovative wireless services and technologies, including voice,=20
data, video, and other wireless broadband services offered over Third=20
Generation ("3G") mobile networks. The Order modifies the band plan, and=
=20
licensing and service rules -- originally adopted in October 2003 -- for=20
the 90 MHz of Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) spectrum at 1710-1755 MHz and=
=20
2110-2155 MHz. The modifications respond to Petitions for Reconsideration=
=20
filed by five parties in response to the original AWS service rules. The=20
changes made in the Order enhance flexibility for potential AWS licensees=
=20
and provide additional opportunities for smaller and rural wireless=20
carriers to access this spectrum. The original band plan for this spectrum=
=20
adopted by the FCC in October 2003 included a mixture of license sizes and=
=20
geographic areas in order to accommodate the needs of wireless providers of=
=20
various sizes serving a range of different geographic areas. Today's Order=
=20
maintains such a mixture but increases the amount of spectrum licensed on a=
=20
small geographic area basis (Cellular Market Areas, or CMAs) from 10 MHz to=
=20
20 MHz in order to provide greater opportunities for smaller rural or=20
regional providers to obtain access to this spectrum at auction. The Order=
=20
also provides for an additional 10 MHz of spectrum licensed by Economic=20
Areas (EAs).
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260432A1.doc
* Statement by Assistant Commerce Secretary Michael D. Gallagher on the=20
FCC's Adoption of Advanced Wireless Services Rules
"The FCC deserves credit for its prompt responsiveness to the timetable=20
that will lead to spectrum auctions as early as June, 2006. The transfer=
=20
of substantial quantities of extremely valuable spectrum from federal=20
government to commercial use, and the timely relocation of incumbents, will=
=20
speed the availability of advanced wireless services and commercial=20
deployment of innovative technologies."
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2005/gallagher_aws_08052005.html

FCC APPROVES RADIO-SPECTRUM AUCTION
The Federal Communications Commission last week formally approved an=20
auction of a large swath of the radio spectrum crucial to cell phone and=20
other wireless services. There was little doubt the FCC would approve the=
=20
auction. But the FCC had been facing pressure to rejigger the auction rules=
=20
to allow participation of all types of cell phone operators, including=20
rural operators. The rules for the auction do just that, according to FCC=
=20
Chairman Kevin Martin. The radio spectrum to be auctioned is able to=20
support advanced wireless data services, and as a result could be used to=
=20
deliver high-speed Internet service into rural areas and densely packed=20
cities that still lack broadband access. Carriers that win the right to=20
license the airwaves also will use them to augment their voice services.=20
The auction could fetch an estimated $15 billion. A percentage of the=20
proceeds would be used to relocate government agencies, such as the=20
Department of Defense, that currently use the spectrum in their daily=20
operations, according to Media Global Advisors.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Ben Charny]
http://news.com.com/FCC+approves+radio-spectrum+auction/2100-1039_3-5820...
.html?tag=3Dnefd.top

CABLE

JUDICIARY COMMITTEES MAY HOLD HEARINGS INTO ADELPHIA DEAL
The House and Senate Judiciary Committees may hold hearings into the=20
Comcast-Time Warner $17.6 billion purchase of Adelphia cable systems after=
=20
the August recess, although nothing has been scheduled yet. There's=20
significant concern about the proposed carve-up of Adelphia, which will add=
=20
2.2 million subscribers for Comcast and 3 million for Time Warner. About=20
19,000 comments have been filed with the FCC expressing concern about the=
=20
merger arising from e-mail campaigns led by Free Press and the=20
Communications Workers of America, which oppose the transaction. But other=
=20
industry sectors have concerns, too. The National Association of=20
Broadcasters said the proposed transactions present =93clear competitive=20
concerns=94 especially for broadcasters. The FCC should impose conditions o=
n=20
the transaction to prevent =93competitive abuses=94 to ensure that local=20
broadcast stations can negotiate with Comcast and Time Warner for=20
retransmission consent and carriage of digital signals, including multicast=
=20
programming streams. Satellite TV operators share NAB=92s concern about=20
placing conditions on the deal to prevent anti-competitive practices.=20
Municipalities worry that Comcast and Time Warner=92s strategy of building=
=20
clusters of cable customers could impeded competition for local programming=
=20
including sports.
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Anne Veigle, Jonathan Make]
(Not available online)
See also:
* NAB's Response to Comments and Petitions to Deny in the Adelphia/Time=20
Warner/Comcast Merger
http://www.nab.org/newsroom/pressrel/filings/AdelphiaMergerReplyComments...
5.pdf
* FTC Assures Sensenbrenner on Adelphia Merger
House Judiciary Committee chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has won=20
assurance that the Federal Trade Commission will closely examine the=20
takeover of Adelphia Communications by Comcast and Time Warner, especially=
=20
with regard to the ability of independent programmers to gain cable=20
carriage. In May, Sensenbrenner sent a letter to FTC chairman Deborah Platt=
=20
Majoras expressing his concern about the Adelphia merger=92s impact on=20
cable-ownership concentration and program diversity.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632819.html?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

UNIVERSAL FUND CHANGES ARE COMING
The cable industry could soon find itself paying into the Universal Service=
=20
Fund, a system takes a portion of money collected from interstate=20
telecommunications (primarily long-distance revenues) and redistributes it=
=20
to help ensure customers in low-income, rural, insular and high-cost areas=
=20
have telephone access. The universal service system also aspires to provide=
=20
greater access to advanced services. But in recent years, a perfect storm=
=20
has developed. Long-distance rates have plummeted as fewer people make=20
long-distance calls in favor of e-mail and flat-rate plans via=20
voice-over-Internet protocol services. Other than cable companies, many of=
=20
those VoIP outlets don't pay into the USF. Worried that VoIP could get=20
caught up in a regulatory maelstrom, cable has advocated legislation that=
=20
would reform the entire universal-service system. To achieve that, the=20
industry wants Congress to restructure the current revenue-based regime=20
into a system based on phone numbers. That way, any customer who has a=20
phone number -- whether associated with VoIP or traditional=20
circuit-switched telephony -- would pay a monthly fee into the USF.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Michael Grebb]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632676.html?display=3DTop+Stories
(requires subscription)

QUICKLY

CHILDREN'S MEDIA POLICY COALITION ASKS NAB FOR CLARITY
The FCC has new rules covering ads during children=92s programming includin=
g=20
commercial matter, air time sold for the purposes of selling a product or=
=20
service and promotions of TV programs or video programming services. Some=
=20
broadcasters are (mis)interpreting the rules to include Public Service=20
Announcements aimed at kids. Why? Well, the Children=92s Media Policy=20
Coalition would like to know and has asked the National Association of=20
Broadcasters to endorse the Ad Council=92s belief that their PSAs and Web=
=20
sites don't pose any conflict with the FCC's proposed rule. The coalition=
=20
believes the Ad Council=92s concerns can be resolved and clarified quickly=
=20
through NAB, without federal intervention. The coalition doesn't understand=
=20
how =93a reasonable, good faith interpretation=94 of the language can be=20
construed to encompass children=92s PSAs. =93While the coalition appreciate=
s=20
the television industry=92s need for accurate interpretation of FCC rules, =
it=20
is discouraging that this needless and unfounded inquiry distracts us all=
=20
from improving the media environment for children,=94 the coalition said.
[SOURCE: Communications Daily]
(Not available online)

CHAIRMAN MARTIN ANNOUNCES THE ACTING CHIEF OF THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND=
=20
TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHIEF ECONOMIST
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin J. Martin named Bruce=20
Franca as Acting Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology and=20
Leslie Marx as Chief Economist. Bruce Franca has served as Deputy Chief of=
=20
the Office of Engineering and Technology since 1987. Mr. Franca joined=20
the Commission in 1974 as an engineer in the Aviation and Marine Division=
=20
of the former Safety and Special Radio Services Bureau. He has also held=
=20
positions in the Office of Plans and Policy and the Mass Media=20
Bureau. Before joining the Commission, Mr. Franca worked for the Naval=20
Ship Research and Development Center in Annapolis, Maryland; the Naval=20
Electronics Laboratory Center in San Diego, California; and the Naval=20
Applied Science Laboratory in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of=20
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and has done graduate work in=20
electrical engineering at the George Washington University. Leslie Marx=20
joins the Commission under an Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignment=20
from Duke University, where she serves as an Associate Professor of=20
Economics at the Fuqua School of Business. Prior to joining Duke=20
University, she was a professor at the Simon School of Business at the=20
University of Rochester. Ms. Marx graduated as valedictorian from Duke=20
University and received her PhD in Economics from Northwestern University.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260439A1.doc

SMALL OPS PRACTISE ART OF RETRANS 'WAR'
Small cable operators assembled last week for basic training in the art of=
=20
waging war against a potential enemy =97 the nation=92s broadcasters =97 an=
d in=20
outmaneuvering a savvy competitor, direct-broadcast satellite. Military=20
metaphors abounded at the joint annual meetings of the American Cable=20
Association, a lobbying group, and the National Cable Television=20
Cooperative, a buying co-op. Both organizations serve small independent=20
operators. Looming retransmission-consent negotiations were the topic du=20
jour at both the NCTC=92s three-day =93Hooked on Cable=94 confab and the AC=
A=92s=20
half-day session, and that=92s when the lingo about doing battle against=20
TV-station owners turned up.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Moss]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632850.html
(requires subscription)

BELLSOUTH AND COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA REACH SETTLEMENT
BellSouth Corporation and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have=
=20
reached a five-year tentative agreement covering approximately 500=20
employees of BellSouth Internet Services. The previous contract was set to=
=20
expire at midnight on Aug. 6, 2005. "We are pleased that once again the=20
company and CWA have been able to work together successfully to find=20
solutions to the complex issues facing our business," said Dick Sibbernsen,=
=20
vice president of Human Resources for BellSouth. "This agreement allows=20
BellSouth to effectively compete in the marketplace and continue to provide=
=20
customers with high-quality products and services." "This agreement is a=20
very important one for our members," said CWA District 3 Vice President=20
Noah Savant. "It achieves our members' key goals of obtaining comparable=20
wage increases with other employees and maintaining health care coverage.=
=20
The committee also was able to negotiate work rule changes that will be=20
very beneficial to our members of the life of the contract," he said.
[SOURCE: Communications Workers of America]
http://www.cwa-union.org/news/PressReleaseDisplay.asp?ID=3D515

NIELSEN, LONG A GAUGE OF POPULARITY, FIGHTS TO PRESERVE ITS OWN
Since the early spring of 2004, Nielsen has spent more than $4 million to=
=20
hire some of the nation's premier lobbyists to counter a savvy campaign=20
conducted by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, a team of longtime Clinton=
=20
strategists hired by the media conglomerate, and a coalition of black and=
=20
Hispanic community leaders. Before 2004, Nielsen had not spent a dime on=20
lobbying. Nielsen has also sprinkled more than $200,000 among minority=20
organizations like the National Urban League, the National Council of La=20
Raza, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the Dragon Boat Festival in San=20
Francisco, according to Nielsen officials. The lobbying and outreach=20
efforts represent a remarkable departure for Nielsen, a company not=20
particularly known for its responsiveness to complaints and which prefers=
=20
to settle disagreements with television network and advertising clients in=
=20
private. But Nielsen executives say they had no choice. "It's pretty rare=
=20
for a business issue to turn into a long-term political attack by one of=20
your clients," said Susan D. Whiting, president and chief executive of Niel=
sen.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Lorne Manly & Raymond Hernandez]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/08/business/media/08nielsen.html
(requires registration)

NBC UNIVERSAL AIMS TO BE PRETTIEST FEATHER IN GE'S CAP
NBC Universal is focused on dual tracks. One is to continue to own or=20
create original content, from its new Sunday night broadcast deal with the=
=20
National Football League on NBC; network TV stalwarts like the "Law &=20
Order" franchise, the "Today" show and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno";=20
programs like "Monk" and "Battlestar Galactica" that are shown on its USA=
=20
Network and Sci-Fi Channel cable outlets; and upcoming Universal movies=20
such as "King Kong" and "The Producers." The other track is to figure out=
=20
ways to capitalize on emerging digital business models around the globe for=
=20
everything from the broadband Internet to mobile phones by mining the=20
companies' libraries of programming and movies, and even by producing=20
original content for these platforms. NBC Universal is churning out cash,=
=20
having contributed $979 million to G.E.'s operating profits - 15 percent of=
=20
G.E.'s total - in the quarter that ended June 30, compared with $768=20
million a year earlier. Sales were $3.86 billion in the most recent period,=
=20
compared with $2.86 billion in the year-earlier period; the increase=20
largely reflects the combination of the two companies last May. Over all,=
=20
John Inch, a Merrill Lynch analyst, forecasts that NBC Universal will=20
generate operating profit of $3.33 billion on revenues of $14.9 billion in=
=20
2005, growing to $3.91 billion on revenues of $16.7 billion next year. Out=
=20
of all the businesses in the G.E. portfolio - from medical equipment to=20
financial services to light bulbs -- Mr. Inch expects NBC Universal to=20
deliver the highest operating profit margins this year and next, rising to=
=20
about 24 percent in 2006.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Richard Siklos & Laura Holson]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/08/business/08universal.html
(requires registration)

AOL PURCHASES WIRELESS COMPANY WILDSEED
America Online, the world's largest Internet provider, has purchased a=20
privately held wireless technology company as part of its initiative to=20
more quickly get AOL service onto phones and other wireless devices, the=20
company plans to announce today.
[SOURCE: Reuters]
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=3DinternetNews&storyID=
=3D2005-08-08T083838Z_01_N05610675_RTRIDST_0_NET-MEDIA-AOL-WIRELESS-DC.XML

WHY I DON'T TRUST READERS
[Commentary] he mainstream American press is better than it's ever been. If=
=20
you don't believe me, visit your local library and roll through a couple of=
=20
miles of microfilm of the papers you're currently familiar with. By any=20
comparison, today's press is more accurate, ethical, reliable, independent,=
=20
transparent, and trustworthy than ever. Skepticism is a healthy disposition=
=20
in life. I wouldn't be a press critic if I regarded the press as=20
hunky-dory. But mindless skepticism is mainly an excuse for ignorance. Even=
=20
the people who denounce the New York Times as the bible of liberals=20
ultimately get most of their useful news from it. I've had it with all you=
=20
unreliable, inconsistent, and detestable blockheads. I've given you every=
=20
possible chance and you've failed me miserably. Tonight I'm ordering a=20
custom bumper-sticker that reads, "I Don't Trust the Mainstream Media=20
Audience."
[SOURCE: Slate, AUTHOR: Jack Shafer]
http://slate.msn.com/id/2124083/

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE/REACTION TO FCC DSL ORDER

* FCC Press Release
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260433A1.doc

* Chairman Martin: "The Order that we adopt today is a momentous one. It=
=20
ends the regulatory inequities that currently exist between cable and=20
telephone companies in their provision of broadband Internet services. As=
=20
I have said on numerous occasions, leveling the playing field between these=
=20
providers has been one of my highest priorities. With this Order, wireline=
=20
broadband Internet access providers, like cable modem service providers,=20
will be considered information service providers and will no longer be=20
compelled by regulation to unbundle and separately tariff the underlying=20
transmission component of their Internet access service. Most importantly,=
=20
however, the actions we take in this Order are an explicit recognition that=
=20
the telecommunications marketplace that exists today is vastly different=20
from the one governed by regulators over 30 years ago. The Computer=20
Inquiry requirements that were adopted several decades ago were based on=20
the assumption that, without the imposition of strict regulation, telephone=
=20
companies would be able to exert considerable market power over=20
unaffiliated entities in the provision of information services. To the=20
extent that this assumption was true at the time, it is no longer true in=
=20
today's broadband market. As the item recognizes, the broadband Internet=20
access market today is characterized by multiple platforms that are=20
vigorously competing for customers."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260433A2.doc

* Commissioner Abernathy: "And let there be no doubt: competition among=20
broadband providers is flourishing. The Commission's most recent=20
statistics show that over 80% of zip codes in America are served by two or=
=20
more high-speed providers, about two-thirds are served by three or more,=20
and over half are served by four or more. Moreover, I fully expect that=20
providers taking advantage of new platforms will soon offer consumers even=
=20
more choices in even more areas. Over 1.2 million high-speed lines in=20
service today use wireless, satellite, fiber-optic, and powerline=20
technologies; that number is poised to rise dramatically in the very near=
=20
future. The result of such competition will be better and better services=
=20
at lower and lower prices, with offerings designed to match customers'=20
needs rather than regulators' preferences."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260433A3.doc

* Commissioner Copps: "The handwriting is on the wall. DSL *will* be=20
reclassified, either now or soon from now, whether I agree or not. This is=
=20
not a situation of my making or my preference, and I believe that it does=
=20
not inure to the benefit of this institution or to consumers across the=20
land. But when fundamental responsibilities like homeland security,=20
universal service, disabilities access, enterprise competition, and=20
Internet discrimination protections are on the chopping block, I feel=20
compelled to work hard and be creative to advance the public interest=20
rather than throwing up my hands. I therefore will concur in this=20
proceeding to protect our ability to meet these core responsibilities. As=
=20
we enter the world of Title I today, we all know what the FCC's goals must=
=20
be. Among other things, we must continue to protect homeland security. We=
=20
must meet our universal service responsibilities. We must maintain=20
disabilities access. We must protect fledgling competition. And we must=
=20
state clearly that innovators, technology companies, and consumers will not=
=20
face unfair discrimination on the Internet by network providers."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260433A4.doc

* Commissioner Adelstein: "Were the pen solely in my hand, this is not the=
=20
Order I would have drafted or the procedural framework I would have=20
chosen. This Order, however, reflects meaningful compromise by each of my=
=20
colleagues, and I appreciate the efforts to address many of my concerns=20
about issues including the stability of the universal service fund, access=
=20
for persons with disabilities, and the ability of competitive carriers to=
=20
access essential input facilities. In the wake of the Supreme Court=20
decision, this reclassification was inevitable. What we've done here is=20
ensure it was done in a fashion that protects, or holds the promise of=20
addressing, many critical policy goals that Congress and the Commission=20
have long held as fundamental to a "rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and=20
world-wide wire and radio communication service.""
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260433A5.doc

* Statement by Assistant Commerce Secretary Michael D. Gallagher on the=20
FCC's Adoption of Wireline Broadband Internet Access Order:
"Today's FCC action demonstrates Chairman Martin's leadership and=20
represents an important step towards realizing the President's goal of=20
universal, affordable access to broadband for all Americans by creating a=
=20
level playing field for providers of broadband access and by removing=20
regulatory obstacles to further investment in broadband infrastructure. I=
=20
congratulate Chairman Martin and his fellow Commissioners for their=20
foresight and their willingness to work in a bipartisan fashion."
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2005/gallagher_08052005.htm

* FCC eases regulations on DSL broadband
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=3DpoliticsNews&storyID=
=3D2005-08-05T193428Z_01_N05212849_RTRIDST_0_POLITICS-TELECOMS-FCC-DSL-DC.X=
ML

* FCC Eases High-Speed Internet Rules
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-UYOF1123186104210.html

* Telcos Get Brand X Status
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA632609?display=3DBreaking+New...
eferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

* FCC Liberates Bells=92 DSL
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632608.html?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

* FCC Liberates DSL in Parity Bid
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA632849.html?display=3DTop+Stories
(requires subscription)

* FCC schizo on DSL, wiretapping
http://news.com.com/FCC+schizo+on+DSL%2C+wiretapping/2010-1071_3-5821077...
ml?tag=3Dnefd.ac

* DSL Item Released =97 coulda been worse
[Commentary] On the plus side, the FCC did the following: 1) A clear=20
statement that the FCC has authority to take necessary action to remedy any=
=20
problems under their =93Title I ancillary jurisdiction.=94 (For those curio=
us,=20
Title I of the Communications Act is the general authority of the FCC to=20
act over all wireline and wireless communications. The DC Circuit Court has=
=20
been aggressively whittling this away to nothing in recent years, sometimes=
=20
for good things (eliminating broadcast flag) and sometimes for bad things=
=20
(eliminating the FCC requirement for narrative description for the blind).=
=20
2) A policy statement that the FCC does not want to see network providers=
=20
using their control of networks to interfere with access to content or=20
competing services (like voice over IP) and that the FCC reserves the right=
=20
to address situations if they arise. 3) Preserve existing CALEA=20
obligations. (CALEA is the statute that says you have to give law=20
enforcement the ability to tap your network if it is a communications=20
network.) 4) Preserve disabilities access (telecom services have=20
disabilities access requirements, unregulated information services don't.=
=20
This preserves existing requirements for disabilities access.) 5) Preserve=
=20
universal service contribution for the next 9 months, during which the FCC=
=20
will consider how reclassification will impact DSL and create new rules to=
=20
maintain or even expand the current levels of DSL funding. (Telecom=20
services contribute to universal service fund -- a fund that subsidizes=20
broadband connections to schools, libraries and rural areas. Once mocked by=
=20
the Republicans as the =93Gore Tax=94 for Al Gore's insistence that it go i=
n=20
the Telecom Act of 1996, now cherished by such Republicans as Senator=20
Stevens because it gives money to rural states. DSL reclassification could=
=20
have eliminated millions of dollars from the fund.)
The FCC also will release a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asking what,=
=20
if any, rules should apply to DSL now as an information service. Bottom=20
line- I think independent ISPs are going to end up eaten by the dinosaurs,=
=20
rather than the other way around. OTOH, it looks like Amazon, Google and=20
even Wetmachine will be safe from being blocked or forced to pay fees for=
=20
=93preferred transport=94 over the DSL and cable lines.
Unanswered questions -- what will happen to the wholesale peering and=20
connectivity markets? Will wireless ISPs, community wireless networks, and=
=20
munie systems still get interconnection and affordable backhaul? Or will=20
they become mere intranets, unable to connect out to the broader world? The=
=20
statutory interconnection requirement for telecom services is gone, and the=
=20
backbone market is consolidating. Will the Commission protect=20
interconnectivity as well as access to content?
[SOURCE: Tales of the Sausage Factory, AUTHOR: Harold Feld]
http://www.wetmachine.com/totsf/item/333

* FCC Eliminates Competition on DSL Lines
"Today=92s FCC decision that telephone companies no longer must share acces=
s=20
to their broadband DSL lines with competing Internet Service Providers is=
=20
not good for creative artists and the American public, but it could have=20
been far, far worse. Following the Supreme Court=92s decision in the Brand =
X=20
case upholding the FCC=92s earlier elimination of competition from cable=20
broadband service, as Commissioner Copps correctly notes in his Concurring=
=20
Statement, =93the handwriting is on the wall.=94 There was no doubt that th=
e=20
Commission would extend the same ill-considered regulatory treatment to the=
=20
telephone companies=92 competing DSL broadband service. Now, thanks to the=
=20
Commission, cable and telephone companies will both have the power to stop=
=20
other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from offering competing service on=
=20
their broadband networks. According to the FCC=92s July 2005 report on High=
=20
Speed Internet Access, in December 2004 approximately 94 percent of=20
Americans subscribing to high speed Internet access received it from either=
=20
a cable or a telephone company. Given that tremendous market share, today=
=92s=20
FCC action eliminating competing ISPs will give cable and telephone=20
companies even greater opportunities to provide the poor quality service at=
=20
an inflated price for which they are so well known. To compensate for=20
eliminating ISP competition on these companies=92 broadband lines, the=20
Commission should immediately fast-track additional ways for Americans to=
=20
receive high speed Internet access other than via cable and telco,=20
including freeing up additional spectrum for new wireless broadband=20
competition." More at URL below...
http://www.creativevoices.us/php-bin/news/showArticle.php?id=3D133&PHPSE...
D=3D18704f52590a75f95256ad0bf11c1328

* CU, CFA Respond to FCC Order Restricting DSL Access to Competitors
Consumers Union (CU) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) warned=20
that today=92s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order restricting=20
access of competitors to digital subscriber lines (DSL) will force existing=
=20
independent broadband providers out of the market and drive up the price of=
=20
high-speed Internet for consumers. "The Federal Communications Commission=
=20
continues down the wrong path on deregulation, allowing giant phone=20
companies to tighten their stranglehold on competition, stifle innovation,=
=20
and reach even deeper into the pockets of consumers," said Gene Kimmelman,=
=20
Public Policy Director at CU. "Consumers will be forced to pay higher=20
prices for Internet access." "Open access requirements for Bell-owned DSL=
=20
lines are responsible for some of the only true competition that exists in=
=20
the residential high-speed Internet market today," said Mark Cooper,=20
Research Director at CFA. "Unfortunately, the FCC has eliminated these=20
requirements and virtually guaranteed those consumers lucky enough to have=
=20
both cable and DSL options will have to buy a package of high-priced=20
services they may not want just to get high-speed Internet." Despite=20
disagreeing with the FCC=92s approach to DSL lines, the consumer groups=20
applauded the FCC=92s adoption of principles providing guidance that cable=
=20
and telephone companies should allow their subscribers to use the Internet=
=20
as they wish. But, the groups cautioned the policy did not include=20
enforcement measures. More at the URL below...
http://www.hearusnow.org/other/newsroom/fccorderrestrictingdslaccesstoco...
titors/

* FCC Shares Spoils of Brand X Victory with the Baby Bells
"The "good news" from today's broadband ruling by the FCC is that the=20
"playing field" for high-speed Internet service (after a one-year=20
transition) will be perfectly level. The bad news is that in most=20
communities, only two teams will be left standing to compete on that=20
playing field."
http://www.democraticmedia.org/news/FCCDSL.html

* MAP Issues Statement Regarding FCC's Decision to Redefine Wireline Broadb=
and
"This is bad news for the people who use the Internet. It means higher=20
prices, less competition and disincentives for those entrepreneurs who have=
=20
used the Internet as a platform for innovation and economic growth. Even=20
so, it could have been worse. By asserting its authority to stop the most=
=20
flagrant kinds of abuse, the FCC has made it somewhat harder to block or=20
impede access to information."
http://www.mediaaccess.org/

* Public Knowledge Disappointed by FCC's Removal of Open Network=20
Requirements for DSL Providers
=93Public Knowledge is disappointed that the Federal Communications=20
Commission did not take all the necessary steps to ensure that broadband=20
networks remain open as service providers continue to be deregulated,=94 PK=
=20
Legal Director Mike Godwin said. =93We respect the leadership of Commission=
er=20
Copps and others in attempting to promote the principle of open networks in=
=20
the Commission=92s policy statement today, but we also believe consumers an=
d=20
the market would have benefited if the FCC had included an openness=20
requirement in the order itself,=94 Godwin said. Public Knowledge has=20
developed =93Principles of an Open Broadband Future=94 which highlights a=
=20
fundamental point that communications networks should be open and=20
accessible to consumers, application developers, and information service=20
providers and to other networks, without restrictions or degradation,=20
except to the extent required for law-enforcement or for network-management=
=20
purposes. You can find Public Knowledge=92s Principles for an Open Broadban=
d=20
Future here:=20
http://www.publicknowledge.org/content/papers/open-broadband-future More at=
=20
the URL below...
http://www.publicknowledge.org/pressroom/pressrelease.2005-08-05.4588805092

* BellSouth Comments on FCC Efforts to Spur High Speed Internet Access for=
=20
All Consumers
"Chairman Martin should be widely applauded for pushing to completion these=
=20
sweeping changes that will allow BellSouth to move higher-speed products=20
and services from the lab to the hands of American consumers in the very=20
near future. The chairman's leadership has led to an order that is=20
comprehensive and will result in greater innovation that will benefit every=
=20
broadband consumer. It must be noted that this consensus was developed with=
=20
commendable speed, a speed that is appropriate and necessary given the=20
importance of rapid technology changes in today's marketplace. The=20
transition periods that have been agreed to are workable. We look forward=
=20
to reviewing the words of the final order and implementing the order=20
quickly, so that consumers will be served by exciting new offerings in the=
=20
very near future, including new and more efficient services to our=20
wholesale customers."

* CompTel Comments on FCC Wireline Broadband Order
"Chairman Martin has demonstrated considerable skill and diplomacy in=20
crafting a bipartisan consensus in this order. According to the FCC,=20
today's action has no impact on CompTel's carrier members. CompTel=20
appreciates in particular that the final order will include measures to=20
ensure continued competitive access to facilities and provides a transition=
=20
period for ISP access and USF funding. The Chairman and his Democratic=20
colleagues worked hard to address issues of concern to CompTel members.=20
While we look forward to working with Chairman Martin and the Commission to=
=20
ensure the intent of this order is fulfilled, CompTel remains concerned=20
that the regulatory classification decisions in this order will ultimately=
=20
frustrate the Commission's stated goals and result in less innovation,=20
higher prices, and fewer jobs for Americans. We look forward to release of=
=20
the FCC's order, and we will have further comment when we can evaluate the=
=20
full text."
http://www.comptelascent.org/news/recent-news/080505.html

* Comments of Kyle McSlarrow, NCTA President & CEO Regarding FCC Order to=
=20
Classify DSL as an Information Service
=93We applaud Chairman Martin for making broadband deployment a national=20
priority, and support today=92s FCC decision to promote deregulatory polici=
es=20
that treat like services alike. We invite the telephone companies to take a=
=20
similar approach to regulation of video services and drop their=20
self-serving demands for special treatment by the government when entering=
=20
the video marketplace. A competitive marketplace with a level regulatory=20
playing field for all services, regardless of technology, is one that all=
=20
industries should be prepared to compete in.=94
http://www.ncta.com/press/press.cfm?PRid=3D617&showArticles=3Dok

* NTCA Hails FCC=92s Flexible Regulatory Framework for Rural ILEC Broadband=
=20
Services
The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) today=20
praised the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for establishing a=20
flexible regulatory framework for rural telephone companies that operate=20
under rate of return (RoR) regulation. The commission=92s move, part of a=
=20
larger proceeding on the appropriate framework for broadband access to the=
=20
Internet over wireline facilities, ensures rural broadband providers will=
=20
be able to continue to fully recover their costs of providing broadband=20
services, specifically digital subscriber line services (DSL), under RoR=20
regulation. The FCC=92s decision allow rural incumbent local exchange=20
carriers (ILECS) that operate under RoR the option of offering broadband=20
services through the use of National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA)=20
tariffs and allows those carriers to participate in NECA=92s revenue=20
pools. RoR regulation enables rural ILECs to obtain the capital necessary=
=20
to build, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities. The=20
combination of RoR regulation and the NECA pooling structure provides rural=
=20
ILECs the assurance that they will recover their substantial investment in=
=20
the network infrastructure that is essential to providing advanced,=20
reliable telecommunications services to rural consumers. NTCA had expressed=
=20
concern that the commission actions in this proceeding might negatively=20
impact the in the stability of the universal service fund (USF). However,=
=20
the commission=92s firm commitment to do =93whatever is necessary=94 to ens=
ure=20
the stability of the fund - including the possible expansion of the base of=
=20
USF contributors - is viewed as a positive development for rural=20
ILECs. NTCA is pleased with the FCC=92s commitment to policies and practic=
es=20
that have promoted broadband deployment in rural areas. More at the URL=20
below...
http://www.ntca.org/ka/ka-2.cfm?folder_id=3D522

* TIA Applauds FCC Decision to Classify Wireline Broadband Services as=20
Information Services
"The Telecommunications Industry Association has long supported the=20
principle that all providers in the very competitive broadband services=20
market should operate in the same minimally regulated environment," stated=
=20
TIA President Matthew J. Flanigan. "Today's historic decision to classify=
=20
wireline broadband services as information services on the heels of the=20
Supreme Court upholding the FCC's similar classification of cable modem=20
services, will have an immediate, significant and lasting impact on=20
investment and innovation in information and communications networks. With=
=20
Brand X decided only in June, we thank the commission and the FCC staff for=
=20
working tirelessly to produce this very important decision in such a=20
remarkably short time. TIA also commits to continue working with the=20
commission as it crafts the new policy framework that will apply in a=20
broadband world."
http://www.tiaonline.org/media/press_releases/index.cfm?parelease=3D05-52

* USTelecom Applauds FCC Move to Market-Based Competition for Broadband=20
Providers
=93The Commission=92s vote today is the right move to bring consumers more=
=20
choice for high-speed Internet service, speed broadband deployment and spur=
=20
investment. After waiting several years for the courts to act, we=20
appreciate Chairman Martin=92s efforts to bring the rules for DSL service i=
n=20
line quickly with the rules for cable modem service. In crafting these new=
=20
rules, the Commission weighed many important issues that affect all aspects=
=20
of the communications business. We applaud the Commission for taking a=20
flexible approach to establish workable rules for all providers. In=20
addition, ensuring a sustainable universal service system is a high=20
priority for USTelecom members and we will work closely with the Commission=
=20
over the next several months to successfully achieve this critical objectiv=
e.=94
http://www.ustelecom.org/news_releases.php?urh=3Dhome.news.nr2005_0805
--------------------------------------------------------------

Today's FCC meeting will NOT happen today -- tune in tomorrow instead. See
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260401A1.doc for the
brief announcement on the schedule change. Why the change? See "FCC May Let
Phone Companies Off DSL Hook" below.

For upcoming media policy events, see http://www.benton.org/calendar.htm

TELECOM
FCC May Let Phone Companies Off DSL Hook
Feds Approve Sprint-Nextel Merger
'Scuse me, I have to Answer my LeapPhone
Calling All Luddites

OWNERSHIP
Detroit Newspapers Change Ownership
Senate Panel To Examine Cable Competition
Some Predict Bad News for Big Media
Russian TV takes Soviet-era turn
Gray TV To Stand Alone

QUICKLY -- City Officials Blast Ensign Bill; ABC Back in NAB; CBS Training
Program Taps Two; Cautious Response To Internet Governance Proposals;
Unprecedented Wiretapping Scheme for In-Flight Communications; DISCUS
Releases Ad Self-Reg Report; AOL unit settles with FTC; Senators Target
Hezbollah TV; LPFM Comment Period Extended; Job Opening: UNITY;

MORE COVERAGE OF SPRINT-NEXTEL

TELECOM

FCC MAY LET PHONE COMPANIES OFF DSL HOOK
Members of the Federal Communications Commission worked yesterday to try to
reach an agreement to free telephone companies from having to lease access
to their high-speed lines to independent Internet service providers.
Sources close to the talks said the commission postponed today's open
meeting until Friday to try to complete negotiations. Such an agreement
would effectively extend to telephone companies the right won by cable
companies under the Supreme Court's "Brand X" decision in June to bar rival
Internet providers from their networks. Among the issues on the table are
whether to continue the old rules of guaranteed access and regulated prices
for some period, giving ISPs such as EarthLink and America Online time to
adjust. Others include guaranteeing "net neutrality" so that the regional
phone companies could not bar access to any Web sites; ensuring law
enforcement's ability to wiretap Internet phone services; preserving
consumer privacy protections; and maintaining protections for people with
disabilities. Critics argue that ending the companies' "common carrier"
obligations to lease their lines at regulated rates will allow them to
raise prices they charge Earthlink and AOL and, in the worst case, to
refuse to lease lines at all. "Brand X stands for the proposition that a
cable monopoly can decide who can use its network at what price and on what
terms. To extend that principle to telephone networks would be compounding
an enormous policy mistake," said Gene Kimmelman, public policy director of
Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports magazine. "This form of
gatekeeper control either on cable or on telephone is synonymous with
inflated prices," he added. "We are going to see a mass exodus from the
market. It's going to be a two-player-dominated system."
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Arshad Mohammed]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/03/AR200508...
(requires registration)
* Phone companies' DSL may be deregulated
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20050804/2b_fcc_04.art.htm
* FCC Eyes Long-Awaited DSL Item
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-MGTD1123100782152.html

FEDS APPROVE SPRINT-NEXTEL MERGER
The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice's
Antitrust Division on Wednesday approved the $35 billion merger of U.S.
cell phone operators Sprint and Nextel Communications. While reducing the
number of major U.S. operators from five to four, both agencies concluded
the merger will not diminish competition. "Carrier conduct will remain
sufficiently competitive to ensure that market performance will not be
impaired, and, given the expected benefits, the public interest will be
enhanced on balance," the FCC said in a statement. Consumer advocates
expressed concerns that mergers would negatively impact consumers because
there is less competition, and therefore less reason for carriers to
control their prices. That opinion was backed up earlier this year when
executives from landline phone operators SBC Communications and Verizon
Communications, which are also merging with competitors, could not rule out
eventual price hikes following a series of proposed telecom mergers during
testimony before a Energy and Commerce Committee. SBC plans to acquire AT&T
for $16 billion; Verizon is buying MCI for $6.7 billion.
* Text of FCC order
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260394A5.doc
Statements from FCC Commissioners --
* Martin: "This action will ensure that consumers continue to receive the
benefits of wireless competition, such as reduced prices and increased
coverage. In addition, consumers can expect improved service quality and
more advanced services."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260394A1.doc
* Copps: "In less than a year mergers have reduced the number of national
wireless competitors by one third. Only last year consumers could choose
between six national carriers. There are now only four. While I am
sensitive to the arguments that six national competitors could not have
been forever sustained in the wireless market, I am also concerned about
what this substantial reduction in the number of competitors may mean for
wireless consumers. The FCC will have to take a hard look at whether we
have gone about as far as we can go. I believe we should have conditioned
approval of this merger on Sprint Nextel either meeting its 911 deadline,
or having a waiver or consent decree in place. We should have insisted
that Sprint Nextel immediately get itself on a path to full public safety
compliance. I am disappointed that we do not do more today to ensure
compliance with our public safety deadline."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260394A3.doc
* Adelstein: "I am very pleased that the companies have committed to
specific milestones in the deployment of services in the 2.5 GHz
band....providing a specific schedule of implementation milestones that
will ensure wireless broadband services will be deployed to at least 30
million Americans across a number of markets, both large and small. And,
just as important, they put their money where their mouth is by agreeing to
be subject to enforcement action in the event Sprint Nextel fails to meet
these commitments for reasons of circumstances within the company's
control. I also appreciate the company's efforts to address my concerns
about the financial health of the spin-off of the incumbent local telephone
operations. In a recent filing, the Chief Executive Officers of both
Sprint and Nextel indicated that the new local telephone company "will
receive an equitable debt and asset allocation at the time of its proposed
spin-off so that the company will be a financially secure, Fortune 500
company." This positive step will protect Sprint's wireline employees and
ensure millions of primarily rural wireline customers continue to see a
high level of service and investment in advanced services."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260394A4.doc
** See links to additional coverage at the end of this email. **

'SCUSE ME, I HAVE TO ANSWER MY LEAPPHONE
In the latest entry into what is quickly becoming a crowded market,
wireless company Enfora LP and educational toy maker LeapFrog Enterprises
are about to unveil a cellphone especially designed for kids. The new
phone, called TicTalk and aimed at kids ages 6 and up, joins a growing
lineup of competitors that includes Mattel, Hasbro, Firefly Mobile and Walt
Disney. The under-13 'tween segment may be among the last available
territories for cellphone companies to mine. An estimated 80% of adults age
18-65 already carry cellphones, according to market researcher Yankee
Group. And family plans, whereby several phones for various family members
are linked to one shared plan, are a popular option for teens. Family-plan
subscriptions for kids age 13-17 rose 38% to 6 million from 4.4 million
from 2004 to 2005, according to Yankee Group. Manufacturers say their
research indicates that cellphones are among the top items children are
clamoring for. The race to capture the 'tween set has popped up this year,
amid a longstanding debate about the propriety of giving kids their own
device. Some parents like the security of having their children always
reachable by cellphone, no matter where they go. But others hesitate for
fear of running up triple-digit phone bills -- and worries over whom
children may be talking to when they're unsupervised. Many
child-development experts say the research on children and cellphones is
scant but as with any new technology, boundaries and rules have to be set.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Kim-Mai Cutler kim-mai.cutler( at )wsj.com]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112311926397704641,00.html?mod=todays...
(requires subscription)
* Kiddie phones have parental controls
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20050804/b_baig04.art.htm
* Cellphones? Over There, Right Next to the Slurpees
When 7-Eleven started its own mobile phone service last year, stocking
handsets on the shelves near the beef jerky and burritos, it became one of
dozens of companies, many with no experience in the phone business, making
a new sideline of selling mobile communications. The emergence of these
companies, and the segmentation of the mass market, reflects the ease of
repackaging telecommunications services in the digital age.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/technology/04cell.html?hp&ex=112321440...
(requires registration)
* 1 Landline + 1 Cellphone = 1 Handset
New device helps you make best use of your landline-cellphone combination
at home.
http://tech2.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/technology/circuits/04pogue.html
(requires registration)

CALLING ALL LUDDITES
[Commentary] The world is moving to an Internet-based platform for
commerce, education, innovation and entertainment. Wealth and productivity
will go to those countries or companies that get more of their innovators,
educators, students, workers and suppliers connected to this platform via
computers, phones and PDA's. A new generation of politicians is waking up
to this issue. For instance, Andrew Rasiej is running in New York City's
Democratic primary for public advocate on a platform calling for wireless
(Wi-Fi) and cellphone Internet access from every home, business and school
in the city. If, God forbid, a London-like attack happens in a New York
subway, don't trying calling 911. Your phone won't work down there. No
wireless infrastructure. In U.S. politics, the party that most quickly
absorbs the latest technology often dominates. FDR dominated radio and the
fireside chat; JFK, televised debates; Republicans, direct mail and then
talk radio, and now Karl Rove's networked voter databases. The
technological model coming next -- which Howard Dean accidentally uncovered
but never fully developed -- will revolve around the power of networks and
blogging. The public official or candidate will no longer just be the one
who talks to the many or tries to listen to the many. Rather, he or she
will be a hub of connectivity for the many to work with the many - creating
networks of public advocates to identify and solve problems and get behind
politicians who get it. "One elected official by himself can't solve the
problems of eight million people," Mr. Rasiej argued, "but eight million
people networked together can solve one city's problems. They can spot and
offer solutions better and faster than any bureaucrat. ... The party that
stakes out this new frontier will be the majority party in the 21st
century. And the Democrats better understand something - their base right
now is the most disconnected from the network."
[SOURCE: New York Times 8/3, AUTHOR: Thomas Friedman]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/03/opinion/03friedman.html
(requires registration)

OWNERSHIP

DETROIT NEWSPAPERS CHANGE OWNERSHIP
Time to revise your media ownership map. In a huge shake-up of the Detroit
newspaper market, Gannett has agreed to sell the Detroit News to closely
held MediaNews Group, and to acquire the larger-circulation Detroit Free
Press from Knight Ridder. At the same time, Gannett swapped assets with
Knight Ridder, giving it the Idaho Statesman in Boise and the Olympian and
the Bellingham Herald in Washington state. Gannett, in exchange, got the
Tallahassee Democrat, in Florida.
The move gives Gannett the more successful of the two newspapers in the
Detroit metropolitan area and removes Knight Ridder from a troubled (labor
and declining circulation) market. With the purchase of the Free Press,
Gannett is raising its bet on Detroit's long-term viability as a newspaper
market. In November it bought HomeTown Communications Network, a community
publishing company that includes the Daily Press & Argus in nearby
Livingston County and nondaily groups in other suburban areas near Detroit.
MediaNews, owned by William Dean Singleton, will receive the weaker Detroit
News. The terms of the new partnership will give the News some competitive
advantages, including the right to publish in the morning and the exclusive
right to publish a paper on Saturdays. Until now, the paper has published
in the afternoon and the two papers have published combined editions on
Saturdays and Sundays. As part of a joint operating agreement formed in
1989, called Detroit Newspaper Agency, the Detroit News and the Detroit
Free Press have shared production and advertising expenses and split
profits 50-50. Editorial operations remained separate. The old partnership
will be replaced by a new one called Detroit Newspaper Partnership LP. The
terms will give Gannett a larger share of the profit.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Joe Hagan joe.hagan( at )wsj.com and Janet
Adamy janet.adamy( at )wsj.com ]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112310244544704214,00.html?mod=todays...
(requires subscription)
* 2 Huge Publishing Chains Swap Newspapers
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/business/media/04paper.html
(requires registration)
* Gannett Buys Top Detroit Newspaper
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/03/AR200508...
* Gannett to acquire Detroit's 'Free Press,'sell 'News'
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20050804/detroit04.art.htm

SENATE PANEL TO EXAMINE CABLE COMPETITION
Consolidation and competition in the cable industry will be scrutinized at
a hearing this fall before the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee,
with executives from Time Warner and a major telephone company among likely
witnesses, sources said. The hearing, to be held amidst the backdrop of
legislative efforts to revamp the nation's telecommunications law, will
tackle a range of issues. The panel plans to take on rising cable rates,
obstacles faced by independent channels, and competitors' access to cable
programming of dominant firms. Members specifically will examine the
so-called terrestrial loophole, an arcane law that enables cable operators
delivering content through wires to withhold it from satellite competitors.
The hearing also will explore the pending acquisition by Time Warner Cable
and Comcast of Adelphia Communications.
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-DQFU1123100483924.html

SOME PREDICT BAD NEWS FOR BIG MEDIA
The U.S. box office is sagging. DVD sales gains are slowing. Advertising
revenue at broadcast television networks is slipping as ratings drop. And
the growing popularity of digital video recorders has advertising and
television executives worried. The variety of concerns along with questions
of how much growth potential remains for the industry are reflected in
drooping stock prices this year for media giants including Time Warner,
Viacom, Walt Disney Co. and News Corp.
[SOURCE: Newsday, AUTHOR: Harry Berkowitz]
http://www.newsday.com/business/printedition/ny-bzmedi034368639aug03,0,5...

RUSSIAN TV TAKES SOVIET-ERA TURN
Zvezda (star), a newly-launched state-run TV network in Russia, is one of
several government-funded initiatives ostensibly aimed at correcting what
the Kremlin perceives is a dearth of national pride and identification with
the state -- especially among Russia's rudderless youth. "Until now, there
is not a single TV channel oriented on the ideas of the Fatherland where
priority is given to all things Russian," producer Ivan Kononov says. "You
may call it propaganda, but we need to stop this tendency to beat ourselves
up, stop selling out our country." Zvezda, which kicked off in March and
currently reaches about 50 million Russian households, so far spends most
of its 24-hour cycle showing Soviet films, plus a few military
documentaries and interviews with notable Russians. Kononov says
programming will soon expand to include talk shows and open forums for
young people to discuss their "burning questions," particularly the
widespread aversion to military service. Last month the Kremlin signed off
on an ambitious five-year program, involving 22 government ministries, to
buck up Russia's image at home and abroad as well as unspecified, but
potentially ominous, efforts to "resist attempts to discredit and devalue
patriotic ideas in the media, literature, and the arts." Critics say the
Kremlin's patriotism project is little more than an expensive PR offensive
to paper over Russia's very real problems, particularly the state of the
military. Zvezda, funded mainly by the Defense Ministry, is an attempt to
stem the tide of draft evasion - only 11 percent of eligible young men were
conscripted last year - by presenting a rosy view of Army life, they say.
"This is just a bureaucratic approach that smells of Soviet methods," says
Vitaly Shlykov, a former Soviet official. "They have failed in all attempts
to actually reform the Army, so now they've decided to teach patriotism
instead."
[SOURCE: The Christian Science Monitor, AUTHOR: Fred Weir]
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0804/p06s01-woeu.html

GRAY TV TO STAND ALONE
Gray Television, which owns 31 TV stations including the largest contingent
of CBS affiliates at 16, will become a stand-alone broadcaster when it
spins off its newspaper and wireless businesses to shareholders, forming a
new company, Triple Crown Media.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA631953?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

QUICKLY

CITY OFFICIALS BLAST ENSIGN BILL
Last week, Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) unveiled sweeping legislation (S. 1504)
that would block cities from forcing phone companies to obtain video
franchises -- a regulatory process that cable companies have followed in
thousands of communities. Although phone companies would not face buildout
requirements, they would need to contribute up to 5% of video revenue as
compensation to use local rights of way. But local regulators are
denouncing the bill for eliminating their authority to supervise companies
that want to dig up streets to lay wires that will offer the consumers the
latest in voice, video and data services.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA631845.html?display=Breaking+News
(requires subscription)

DISNEY/ABC AGREES TO REJOIN NAB
After a two-year hiatus, Disney/ABC today announced its intention to rejoin
the National Association of Broadcasters, the industry trade group that
represents free, over-the-air broadcasters on Capitol Hill and at the FCC.
Preston Padden, Executive VP/worldwide government relations, for The Walt
Disney Company will immediately get a seat on the NAB board.
[SOURCE: National Association of Broadcasters]
http://www.nab.org/newsroom/pressrel/Releases/080305_ABCRelease.htm
* Mouse Back in NAB House
ABC was left of "Big Four" networks to leave NAB over broadcast station
ownership dispute. The central issue in the dispute was the division
between the "Big Four" nets and their affiliates over whether or not to
raise the 35% ownership cap on a group owner's national audience reach. The
NAB had been lobbying against raising the cap, with stations arguing that
allowing the networks to own more stations would give them undue leverage
in affiliate contract negotiations. The networks countered that they need
to bulk up to survive, pointing out that some of the non-network groups
contain many more stations, simply not in as large markets. The issue came
to a boil for ABC in June 2003, when the NAB TV board voted to endorse
congressional attempts to restore the 35% cap, which the FCC raised to 45%
in a controversial vote.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA632183?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

CBS TRAINING PROGRAM TAPS TWO
CBS named the first two participants in a training program for journalists
of color. James Black will report for WBNS Columbus, Ohio, and Alturo
Rhymes will work for CBS Newspath, the network's affiliate news service in
New York. The program was started to train producers and correspondents for
jobs at CBS News, CBS affiliates, O&O stations. The journalists, who are
required to have at least two years of newsroom experience before the
program, spend two years in CBS affiliate newsrooms or at CBS Newspath. The
program's goal is to eventually place them at CBS News.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Joel Meyer]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA632015?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

CDT URGES CAUTIOUS RESPONSE TO INTERNET GOVERNANCE PROPOSALS
Putting more power over Internet "governance" in the hands of
multi-governmental bureaucracies could undercut the openness and
accessibility of the Internet, the Center for Democracy & Technology said
in public comments. Responding to several new Internet governance models
proposed in a report commissioned by the United Nations, CDT urged the
preservation of the largely non-governmental framework currently in place
for overseeing key elements of the Internet's infrastructure. CDT filed its
initial comments to the State Department and will submit a revised version
of the document to the UN's World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
Secretariat later this month.
CDT Comments on WGIG Internet Governance Report:
http://www.cdt.org/dns/icann/20050801wgig-wsis.pdf
All Comments to State Department:
http://www.state.gov/e/eb/cip/wsis2005/c15408.htm

CDT AND EFF OPPOSE UNPRECEDENTED WIRETAPPING SCHEME FOR IN-FLIGHT
COMMUNICATIONS
The Center for Democracy & Technology and the Electronic Frontier
Foundation are opposing a new Justice Department scheme to require that
information about aircraft passengers' cell phone and Internet
communications be constantly recorded. CDT and EFF, which filed comments
with the Federal Communications Commission, don't oppose law enforcers'
ability to intercept such communications, but are deeply concerned that the
proposal raises constitutional concerns and could impose burdensome design
mandates on emerging technology.
CDT-EFF Comments filed with the FCC:
http://www.cdt.org/digi_tele/20050803cdt-eff.pdf

DISCUS RELEASES AD SELF-REG REPORT
The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) Thursday released its second
semi-annual report on the actions of its Code Review Board, saying all of
the member companies cited for code violation had taken actions to modify
their advertisements. According to the DISCUS report, the board, a
self-regulatory body that reviews complaints about distilled spirits ads,
recommended remedial action in 16 of 17 complaints, with 14 of the 16
advertisers agreeing to modify their campaigns, including all five DISCUS
members and 9 of 11 nonmembers.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA632205?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

ADVERTISING.COM SETTLES FTC ADWARE CHARGES
An America Online Inc. subsidiary will no longer bundle its anti-spyware
program with software that tracks consumers' online habits and force-feeds
them pop-up ads, the Federal Trade Commission said on Wednesday.
Advertising.com Inc. also agreed to regular check by the FTC in order to
settle a deceptive-advertising suit filed by the consumer-protection
agency. Advertising.com, also known as Teknosurf.com, promoted its SpyBlast
program as a way to protect users' computers from "hackers," the FTC
charged. But those who downloaded the product also installed a separate
program that monitored their online behavior and served them pop-up ads.
[SOURCE: Reuters]
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&story...

SENATORS TARGET HEZBOLLAH TV
A group of 51 senators is writing President Bush asking him to put the
Hezbollah-backed al-Manar Television on the U.S. Treasury's list of
Specially Designated Global Terrorism Organizations, which would allow the
government to go after its funding and partners. "Viewed via satellite
throughout the Muslim world, al-Manar promotes suicide attacks against
American and Israeli targets and encourages Iraqi insurgents to attack U.S.
troops," the bipartisan group of senators wrote in the letter.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA631843?display=Breaking+News&...
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

CREATION OF LOW POWER RADIO SERVICE
The FCC has extended by two weeks the comment and reply comment deadlines
in its low power FM proceeding (MM Docket No. 99-25) to August 22, 2005 and
September 6, 2005, respectively
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-2253A1.doc

JOB OPENING: UNITY
UNITY is currently seeking applicants for the position of director of
communications and policy issues that will oversee the planning and the
execution of the communications strategies to meet the needs of the
organization's goals and objectives.
For further information about this position, please go to
http://unityjournalists.org/Training/ProfessionalOpps/policydir_opp.html
To apply, send a letter of interest, resume and three writing samples to
Anna Lopez at executive( at )unityjournalists.org.
Deadline: August 8, 2005.

MORE COVERAGE OF SPRINT-NEXTEL

FCC Approves Sprint/Nextel Merger Agreement
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112310162781604205,00.html?mod=todays...

Gov't Approves Sprint-Nextel Deal
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/03/AR200508...

Sprint, Nextel $70 billion merger gets FCC's approval
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20050804/2b_nextel_04.art.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------
Communications-related Headlines is a free online news summary service
provided by the Benton Foundation (www.benton.org). Posted Monday through
Friday, this service provides updates on important industry developments,
policy issues, and other related news events. While the summaries are
factually accurate, their often informal tone does not always represent the
tone of the original articles. Headlines are compiled by Kevin Taglang
(headlines( at )benton.org) -- we welcome your comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------

For upcoming media policy events, see http://www.benton.org/calendar.htm

OWNERSHIP
Fighting Big Cable (and why it matters)
Big Media Paying Big to Find Kids
Cable Companies Call Up New Growth Story
News Corp Television Unit Under the Spotlight

REVENUES
Senate Bill Aimed at Cable-Data Revenue
Estimates Vary On Value Of Spectrum
Senators Seek Web Porn Tax

AT THE FCC
Telcos May Get Own Brand X
Paxson Shuffles Off DTV in Buffalo

QUICKLY -- Isolating our points of viewing; NAB/MSTV Tout Digital Dozen;=20
ACA, PBS Eye Carriage Guidelines; NCTC Says Yes to TiVo; Nextel to seek=20
more time for locating 911 callers; Job Openings: Free Press; Online Gym Cl=
ass

OWNERSHIP

FIGHTING BIG CABLE (AND WHY IT MATTERS)
Comcast (the nation's biggest cable company) and Time Warner (the second=20
biggest) are dividing up the bankrupt corpse of Adelphia. At the same time,=
=20
they are swapping their own systems so that in cities where Time Warner and=
=20
Comcast compete against each other (like New York and Los Angeles) they=20
won't compete anymore. Well, you may ask, what's the big deal? So I=20
switch from having no choice but Adelphia to no choice but Comcast or Time=
=20
Warner. Why should I care? The answer depends on some rather complicated=20
economics. Briefly, to advertisers, programmers, and politicians, the=20
ability to control a city (or, as they call it when measuring effects, a=20
=93designated market area=94 or DMA) is much more valuable than the same nu=
mber=20
of customers spread out over the whole country. Also, it turns out, DBS=20
makes a rather poor competitor to cable.
[SOURCE: Tales of the Sausage factory, AUTHOR: Harold Feld]
http://www.wetmachine.com/totsf/item/328
See also:
* It's time to stand up to Comcast
Last week, 12,000 people complained to the FCC about cable's rising prices=
=20
and anti-competitive practices. They urged it to reject a proposed deal=20
that would further enlarge Comcast and Time Warner, already the nation's=20
top two cable companies.
[SOURCE: Philadelphia Inquirer, AUTHOR: Jeff Gelles]
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/business/12272327.htm

BIG MEDIA PAYING BIG TO FIND KIDS
Recent deals by News Corp. and Viacom for two popular social Web sites =AD=
=20
MySpace.com and NeoPets.com =AD priced in the hundreds of millions of dolla=
rs=20
underscore the frantic search for teens and 20-somethings who have cut back=
=20
on their television time and are turning down newspapers, magazines and=20
even radio. MySpace=92s 22 million members, nearly all in their teens or=20
early 20s, represent the Sasquatch of the advertising world =AD elusive and=
=20
hunted. People create a presence on the site through profiles that list=20
their interests, activities, and favorite bands, books and movies. It=92s a=
=20
wealth of information that people don't usually make available to companies=
=20
or advertisers. And it=92s a marketer=92s dream, making News Corp.=92s $580=
=20
million purchase for Intermix Media Inc., parent of MySpace, worth the=20
price in the eyes of some on Wall Street. =93It=92s so much more than just=
=20
e-mail addresses,=94 said Scott Kessler, Internet analyst with Standard &=
=20
Poor=92s. =93You can see what kinds of activities they=92re engaged in and =
tap=20
into trends.=94 Consider the ways in which the information can be used. Whe=
n=20
trying to reach potential buyers of running shoes, for example, News Corp.=
=20
knows which MySpace members are joggers. Those ads could command a premium=
=20
from advertisers, although they also carry a risk. =93That would likely end=
=20
up in alienating the usership, depending how it=92s done,=94 Kessler said.=
=20
=93Part of it is figuring out how quickly that is going to turn someone off=
.=94
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Business Journal, AUTHOR: Hilary Potkewitz]
http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=3D160434202.7060305.117...
1.9719163.4442175.654&aID2=3D90458

CABLE CONSUMERS CALL UP NEW GROWTH STORY
Enterprises such as phone and high-speed Internet may be just the ticket=20
for cable companies, which need a new growth story as their=20
bread-and-butter video businesses steadily lose subscribers to=20
satellite-television operators. The companies want to maintain the=20
double-digit rate of revenue increases that Wall Street needs to keep=20
valuing cable shares as growth stocks, which investors commonly believe=20
should trade at more than nine times earnings before interest, taxes,=20
depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, a common metric in cable. For=20
cable, the phone business has the potential to deliver results as good as,=
=20
or even better than, high-speed Internet -- eventually easing the concerns=
=20
over the video side of the business. The residential phone market is=20
estimated by Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. to be $60 billion, about $10=20
billion more than the entire pay-TV market. Analysts believe cable=20
companies could capture as much as 30% of it.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Peter Grant peter.grant( at )wsj.com]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112294394752002167,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
us_money_and_investing
(requires subscription)

NEWS CORP TELEVISION UNIT UNDER SPOTLIGHT
News Corp's TV station group, one of the largest in the nation, has long=20
been one of the company's biggest profit centers. The stations account for=
=20
roughly 10% of revenue and 30% of operating income at News Corp. Just as=20
important, the group is strategically crucial as the main outlet for the=20
Fox broadcast network. The stations are also useful for other businesses,=
=20
such as Fox's sister cable networks, that need on-air promotion. Over the=
=20
past several years, the TV station group's performance has come under=20
pressure and turning the stations around has become a high priority. While=
=20
operating income increased 6% at the station group in the most recent=20
quarter, Wall Street analysts say the growth has been weaker than expected.=
=20
Poor programming decisions have hurt the group over the past few years. An=
=20
ill-fated talk show with "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest proved to be an=
=20
expensive flop and an attempt to revive its 1980s tabloid hit "A Current=20
Affair" has failed to catch on with viewers. In the May sweeps, a crucial=
=20
ratings period, the Fox stations affiliated with the Fox network saw a=20
collective drop of almost 20% in the key adults 18-49 demographic,=20
according to Nielsen Media Research. Viewership for the late news, a key=20
profit center for local television stations, dropped by almost 10% in that=
=20
same demographic from two years ago.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Julia Angwin julia.angwin( at )wsj.com and=
=20
Joe Flint joe.flint( at )wsj.com]
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112294019656102084,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
us_marketplace
(requires subscription)

REVENUES

SENATE BILL AIMED AT CABLE-DATA REVENUE
Last Friday, Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Mark Pryor=
=20
(D-AR) introduced legislation, (S. 1583), could require cable to contribute=
=20
some of its $10 billion in broadband-access revenue to launch and sustain a=
=20
new subsidy program designed to deliver high-speed data to unserved areas.=
=20
Cable contribution of access revenue would be decided at the discretion of=
=20
the Federal Communications Commission. The agency would be authorized to=20
spend a maximum of $500 million annually on the rural-broadband program.=20
The phone-subsidy program, called universal service, is popular with rural=
=20
lawmakers. But expanding it to including broadband access could prove=20
controversial because some on Capitol Hill think the current program is=20
mismanaged and needs to be reformed before mission expansion is adopted.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA631488.html?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

ESTIMATES VARY ON VALUE OF SPECTRUM
The Congressional Budget Office has not revised its $10 billion estimate of=
=20
the value of the spectrum to be obtained when a "hard date" is set to=20
complete the transition to digital television broadcasts. But CBO's=20
estimate is considerably lower than two separate private sector analyses of=
=20
the value of the broadcast spectrum currently in use from channels 52 to=20
69. Those estimates are $24-$28 billion. CBO's estimate of $10 billion in=
=20
federal receipts from auctioning airwaves comes on top of top of an=20
estimated $15 billion in federal receipts from another piece of spectrum=20
currently scheduled for auction in June 2006. Individuals familiar with=20
budget officials' thinking said they believe the anticipated auction of 90=
=20
megahertz of spectrum for advanced wireless services is certain to diminish=
=20
the value of the DTV spectrum below what has been scored by private sector.
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: Drew Clark]
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-UDUP1122927526162.html

SENATORS SEEK WEB PORN TAX
Last week, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AK) introduced the Internet Safety and=
=20
Child Protection Act of 2005, a bill that would apply only to adult sites=
=20
subject to controversial record-keeping requirements regarding the=20
identities of people participating in sex acts displayed on Web sites.=20
Those sites must cough up the taxes and use age verification techniques=20
"prior to the display of any pornographic material, including free=20
content." Sen Lincoln characterized her bill as a way to make the Internet=
=20
a "safer place" for children. The bill would impose a 25 percent tax on the=
=20
revenue of most adult-themed Web sites. But legal scholars who specialize=
=20
in the First Amendment say courts have rejected similar taxes in the=20
past--and are likely to do so again, if Lincoln's proposal becomes law.=20
Other Senate sponsors of the legislation--all Democrats--include Thomas=20
Carper of Delaware, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana,=20
Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, Ken Salazar of Colorado, Debbie Stabenow=
=20
of Michigan, Evan Bayh of Indiana and Kent Conrad of North Dakota.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Declan McCullagh]
http://news.com.com/Senators+seek+Web+porn+tax/2100-1030_3-5814309.html?...
=3Dnefd.top

AT THE FCC

TELECOS MAY GET OWN BRAND X
Circulating at the FCC is a proposal to extend cable's "Brand X" Supreme=20
Court victory to teleco's DSL service. The item could potentially make it=
=20
to the Aug. 4 meeting agenda, which has activist group Public Knowledge=20
weighing in with its own suggestions. =93The Commission=92s actions will sh=
ape=20
the broadband future for years to come," says Legal Director Mike Godwin.=
=20
"Thus, its deregulatory efforts should be implemented in ways that favor=20
the competition inherent in open and accessible
networks.=94 Of course, the Brand X decision was all about freeing cable fr=
om=20
open access requirements, which the FCC concluded would advance the=20
roll-out of broadband, one of President Bush's priorities.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA631497?display=3DBreaking+New...
eferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

PAXSON SHUFFLES OFF DTV IN BUFFALO
Paxson's WPXJ (Buffalo, NY) is voluntarily turning in its digital channel=
=20
assignment (53) -- it was not yet broadcasting a DTV signal, according to=
=20
the FCC--and will continue to broadcast in analog on its current channel=20
(51), agreeing to "flash-cut" to digital on that channel by the end of the=
=20
transition. The FCC has eight more pending requests to "flash-cut." While=
=20
most stations are required to broadcast in both analog and digital during=
=20
the transition, stations other than affiliates of the top four networks=20
whose digital allotments are outside the core channels 2-51, are allowed to=
=20
turn those non-core digital channels (52-59) back to the government and=20
broadcast in analog-only on their in-core channel before switching over to=
=20
digital-only on that same channel by the deadline for the digital=20
changeover. The reason behind allowing the flash-cuts and give-backs is to=
=20
more swiftly clear out broadcasters so the upper spectrum tier can be=20
reclaimed for auctioning for advanced wireless services and emergency=20
communications.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA631244?display=3DBreaking+New...
eferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

QUICKLY

ISOLATING OUR POINTS OF VIEW
[Commentary] Ever wonder why cable TV news seems to be a growing morass of=
=20
true-crime stories, conflict-driven talk shows and endlessly repeated=20
minutiae? Or why mainstream media seems increasingly focused on a shrinking=
=20
niche of consumers and their very specific political/social interests? It=
=20
all ties into a growing trend among consumers: an impatience with media=20
that doesn't speak to their specific needs immediately "The audience . . .=
=20
is busier than it has ever been. They don't have time for stories that=20
waste their time," said CNN/U.S. president Jonathan Klein, who has drawn=20
criticism for the newschannel's aggressive coverage of hot-button,=20
videogenic stories such as Terri Schiavo's death, runaway bride Jennifer=20
Wilbanks and Michael Jackson's trial. "Technology has sped up the pace of=
=20
life, but it hasn't created more free time. So we've got to take the news=
=20
of the day and show viewers all aspects of the story in an arresting new=20
way." Such trends are great news for media that provide constant access for=
=20
a multitude of customers in small niches: cable TV, satellite radio, video=
=20
games and the Internet. But this on-demand attitude makes losers of media=
=20
that attract large numbers of consumers through a variety of material,=20
forcing every customer to wade through some things they don't like. That=20
list includes newspapers, network TV and broadcast radio.
[SOURCE: St. Petersburg Times, AUTHOR: Eric Deggans deggans( at )sptimes.com]
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/31/Floridian/Isolating_our_points_.shtml

NAB/MSTV TOUT DIGITAL DOZEN
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and Association for Maximum=
=20
Service Television (MSTV) say they have received a dozen quotes from=20
consumer-electronics firms for a digital-to-analog converter box. The two=
=20
associations said they would start taking an active role in developing a=20
low-cost analog-to-digital converter box. MSTV President David Donovan=20
says the dozen includes "some of the largest consumer-electronics companies=
=20
in the world." In theory that means there's members of the Consumers=20
Electronics Association in the bunch. NAB and the Consumer Electronics=20
Association have been in a war of words over the switch to digital. CEA has=
=20
pushed a hard date while NAB has argued that could disenfranchise viewers.=
=20
At one point, the two groups were planning to work together to promote the=
=20
digital switch, but had a falling- out and have been at some variation of=
=20
public loggerheads ever since. However, Donovan says he is looking forward=
=20
to working with consumer electronics companies on the new box. Many=20
consider the digital switch to be political poison for both the TV industry=
=20
and Washington, particularly if analog television consumers are left=20
without a low-cost or no-cost alternative to digital (or if digital TV=20
offers just more of the same xxxx that's now on analog TV.)
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA631474?display=3DBreaking+New...
eferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

ACA, PBS EYE CARRIAGE GUIDELINES
The American Cable Association is talking with PBS TV stations about=20
forging an agreement setting guidelines for smaller operators to carry=20
public stations and their digital-multicast signals. The agreement being=20
discussed -- which individual ACA members could decide whether or not to=20
participate in -- would be similar to the pact the National Cable &=20
Telecommunications Association reached earlier this year with the=20
Association of Public Television Stations.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Moss]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA631489.html?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

NCTC SAYS YES TO TIVO
The National Cable Television Cooperative, which represents small- to=20
medium-sized cable operators that serve more than 14 million subscribers,=
=20
has inked a deal with TiVo to bring the DVR service to NCTC systems.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Ken Kerschbaumer]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA631487?display=3DBreaking+New...
eferral=3DSUPP
(free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)

NEXTEL TO SEEK MORE TIME FOR LOCATING 911 CALLERS
Nextel Communications plans to ask for a waiver from a December deadline=20
that 95 percent of its customers' wireless phones be capable of identifying=
=20
the location of a caller to emergency personnel.
[SOURCE: Reuters]
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=3DtechnologyNews&sto...
D=3D2005-08-01T233916Z_01_N01565782_RTRIDST_0_TECH-TELECOMS-NEXTEL-911-DC.X=
ML

JOB OPENINGS: FREE PRESS
1) Free Press has immediate openings for: 1) an Online Organizer to develop=
=20
and implement strategies to encourage public participation in media policy=
=20
making. This position is based in its Northampton, MA office and 2) a=20
Finance Manager to ensure sound financial management and human resource=20
practices for our growing organization. This position is also based in the=
=20
Northampton, MA office.
http://www.freepress.net/content/opportunities

ONLINE CLASSES OFFER VIRTUAL DISSECTION, BUT GYM STILL TAKES SWEAT
Yes, it is August, not April. You can now take gym class online.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Sam Dillon]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/02/education/02gym.html
(requires registration)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Communications-related Headlines is a free online news summary service=20
provided by the Benton Foundation (www.benton.org). Posted Monday through=
=20
Friday, this service provides updates on important industry developments,=
=20
policy issues, and other related news events. While the summaries are=20
factually accurate, their often informal tone does not always represent the=
=20
tone of the original articles. Headlines are compiled by Kevin Taglang=20
(headlines( at )benton.org) -- we welcome your comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------