Benton RSS Feed

ERATE
Republicans Renew Attack On E-Rate (NYT)

JOURNALISM
Police Violate Privacy in Home Raids With Journalists (NYT)
Undermining the Latin Press (NYT)

BROADBAND/CABLE
The Battle for Broadband Access (Wired News)
Fears Rise of a 'Digital Divide'
How High's the Sky?
Top MSOs Own 90% of Subs (B&C)

PRIVACY/ENCRYPTION
State Bill Extends Arm of Law on Net Records (SJ Merc)
Slip Of The Tongue Lightens Up Encryption Hearing (NYT)

MERGERS
American-Style Capitalism Wins One in Italy (NYT)

NONPROFITS/ANTITRUST
High Court Lets FTC Police Nonprofits

EMPLOYMENT
'90s Unkind to Workers Study: Lower Wages,
Less Job Security Downside to `New
Economy' (SJ Merc)

INTERNATIONAL
Technology Intrudes on Dogma in Land of the Taliban

ERATE

REPUBLICANS RENEW ATTACK ON E-RATE
Issue: E-Rate
As the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) prepares to set this year's
E-rate -- funding for school and library Internet connections -- a partisan
battle is being waged over the fund which Republicans call the "Gore tax."
Last week, the Republican National Committee sent an email asking supporters to
contact the FCC with their opposition to the E-rate. The GOP insists that FCC
Chairman William Kennard's plan to increase the funding to $2.25 billion this
year will force telephone companies to raise customers' fees in order to
finance the universal service program. Democrats from rural states are pushing
the FCC to subsidize high-speed Internet access in rural areas to ensure the
reality of a truly "universal service." Senators say small businesses and farms
in rural communities are lacking the Internet access they need. "We are
determined not to end up with a country of haves and have nots with respect to
advanced telecommunications," said Sen Byron Dorgan (D-SD). Several Senators
wrote a letter to Chairman Kennard asking the FCC to support access to
technology in rural areas. The request includes "subsidizing high-speed
Internet and data services via satellite, raising the technical requirements
for phone lines, and encourage cellular companies to serve remote areas and
Indian reservations."
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing ]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/25capital.html)

JOURNALISM

POLICE VIOLATE PRIVACY IN HOME RAIDS WITH JOURNALISTS
Issue: Journalism
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously yesterday that the police practice of
bringing journalists and photographers into people's homes during searches
or arrests violates "the right of residential privacy at the core of the
Fourth Amendment." "Surely the possibility of good public relations for the
police is simply not enough, standing alone, to justify the ride-along
intrusion into a private home," Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote for
the Court. The ruling does not affect report on police activity in public
places and the Court did not address the liability of news organizations
themselves.
[SOURCE: New York Times (A25), AUTHOR: Linda Greenhouse]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/politics/scotus/articles/052599police-media.
html)
See also:
POLICE CAN BE SUED FOR LETTING MEDIA SEE RAIDS
[SOURCE: Washington Post (A8), AUTHOR: Joan Biskupic and Howard Kurtz]
MEDIA 'RIDE-ALONGS' CURBED
Issue: Privacy
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that police violate the privacy
rights of homeowners when they allow media to accompany them on searches and
arrests inside people's homes. "The need for accurate reporting on police
issues in general bears no direct relation to the constitutional justification
for the police intrusion in to a home," wrote Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers represented a couple that
sued after government agents brought a CNN crew onto their property while
conducting a raid. Legal experts say media "ride-alongs" with police will now
stop at the front door of homes. Richard Cordray, a lawyer for the police
sued in the case, says media will still be able to ride-along with police and
accompany them in any public spaces. The ruling demonstrates that the Court
"saw no public value in giving the media access to such searches," said Jane
Kirtley of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Joshua Dratel of
the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said the ruling meant "the
government is not allowed to make a display of you."
[SOURCE: USA TODAY (A1), AUTHOR: Tony Mauro]
(http://www.usatoday.com/)

UNDERMINING THE LATIN PRESS
Issue: Journalism
[Editorial] The Clinton Administration seems to be backing an Organization
of American States declaration that would give governments license for
further restrictions on Latin America's besieged journalists. The
declaration is a retreat from previous strong statements on press freedoms
signed by hemisphere governments.It would allow some forms of prepublication
censorship allows for freedom of the press to be limited "under domestic
law." Such laws in some countries, however, make it illegal to show contempt
for public officials and then are used to jail journalists who publish
stories about corruption -- even when they are true.
[SOURCE: New York Times (A30), AUTHOR: NYT Editorial Staff]
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/editorial/25tue3.html)

BROADBAND/CABLE

THE BATTLE FOR BROADBAND ACCESS
Issue: Broadband/Internet Access
MCI WorldCom, America Online, and other Internet companies urged the FCC
yesterday to bar cable companies from striking exclusive deals on new
high-speed services. The companies say consumers will end up having to pay
twice if they chose to use their services. AT&T, for example, requires
customers of high-speed cable Internet access to purchase the services of
AtHome, a cable-owned provider controlled by AT&T, for a single price. Cable
Internet customers may use AOL or other ISPs, but must still pay for AtHome.
Two-day talks starting Monday are an"informal, educational" session on the
convergence of the cable and Internet industries, attendees said. Under
current law and FCC rules, phone companies offering high- or low-speed
Internet access must offer customers a choice of Internet service providers.
But the same rules do not apply to cable operators.
[SOURCE: Wired News, AUTHOR: Reuters]
(http://www.wired.com/news/news/politics/story/19858.html)

FEARS RISE OF A 'DIGITAL DIVIDE'
Issue: Convergence
AT&T predicts that the days of convergence -- when the phone, the TV and the
personal computer will all be fed by one cable TV wire into American's homes --
are near. But consumer organizations fear that steep costs for adapting the
current networks could translate into "gee-whiz services at jaw-dropping
prices," leaving many consumers unable to afford the new services. AT&T says
that the future services provided by one single company would reduce costs for
consumers. In Alexandria (VA), cable operator Jones Communications, which sells
combined cable TV and local phone services, has already undercut the prices of
the local phone monopoly by 10 percent. But Jones and Comcast, which acquired
Jones in April, are only offering services in apartment buildings where
multiple customers can be acquired at a lower cost. "Wary of making
predictions, Comcast won't say when its bundled services will be universally
available throughout the Washington area." AT&T is also hesitant about saying
when it will actually market its bundled services. Critics say "it could cost a
bundle to get a bundle" and that the new services could create a "digital
divide" between those who can afford them and those who cannot.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E1), AUTHOR: Paul Farhi]
(http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/25/069l-052599-idx.html)

HOW HIGH'S THE SKY?
Issue: Cable Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As)
B&C Deputy Editor John M. Higgins interviews Morgan Stanley Dean Witter's
Richard Bilotti, Deutsch Bank Securities' Doug Shapiro, and Nationsbank
Montgomery Securities' John Tinker about the high prices being paid for the
M&As in spite of negative buyer cash-flows. Whether companies are buying in a
panic or simply making "land grabs," the analysts agree that companies are
losing money in the short-term, they are executing products slowly, and are not
fulfilling consumer demands for high-speed Internet access as promised.
Though consumers have been responsive to digital cable sales and are anxious to
receive larger amounts of data via high-speed Internet systems, the analysts
predicts that data technology such as VOD [video on demand] will take a long
time to develop, one-and-half to five years.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p.46), AUTHOR: B&C Deputy Editor John M. Higgins]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/)

TOP MSOs OWN 90% OF SUBS
Issue: Cable
Broadcasting & Cable ranks the top 25 multiple system operators (MSOs) by total
number of subscribers. The top five on the list are AT&T Broadband (16,200,000
subscribers), Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, and Adelphia. Many MSOs that have
never expected to get on the list are now top 25 due to the huge wave of
takeovers in the cable industry. The top 25 MSOs control 60.8 million
subscribers (or about 90% of all US cable homes). New entrants into the
industry, like AT&T, are coming onto the scene with lots of cash and plans to
roll out new services. In choosing acquisitions, operators look for local sales
that will match their existing subscriber base. But some acquisitions, such as
Adelphia Communications' takeover of Century Communications and Frontier Vision
Partners, demonstrate that companies will settle for sheer mass. The
ranking of MSOs seems to not mean much more than an ego boosts for the
companies, as there is so much fluctuation. Whereas operators were selling in
1994, fearing competition from telecommunication and wireless companies, they
are now buying in a hurry in an attempt to control multiple services. Other
MSOs feel they can beef up their revenues by adding digital, high-speed
Internet, and telephone services.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p. 34), AUTHOR: John M. Higgins]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/)

PRIVACY/ENCRYPTION

BILL EXTENDS ARM OF LAW ON NET RECORDS
Issue: Privacy
The California State Senate has unanimously approved a bill that will make it
easier for police to obtain electronic information from Internet and email
service providers. The legislation requires most out-of-state ISPs and email
providers to respond to California-issued search warrants. The bill also
requires California providers to honor out-of-state warrants. While the
State's attorney's office says that the rules could be a model to aid other
states in criminal investigations, some critics fear that it give law
enforcement officials too much authority. "There's a problem of jurisdiction.
How a superior court judge in California could have the power to issue a search
warrant for property in another state is beyond me," said Steve Meinrath, a
lobbyist for the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. "That's why we
have a federal court."
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Mary Anne Ostrom]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/indepth/docs/senate052599.htm)

SLIP OF THE TONGUE LIGHTENS UP ENCRYPTION HEARING
Issue: Encryption
"Never underestimate the stupidity of some of the people we have to deal with,"
said William A. Reinsch, Under Secretary of Commerce for the Bureau of Export
Administration, while being asked about the likelihood of criminals using
technology being pushed by the Clinton Administration. Under Secretary
Reinsch received a
chuckle as he was testifying before the House International Relations
subcommittee in defense of the Administration's encryption policy. The
Administration is justifying the loosening of export controls on strong
encryption by counting on technology to guarantee law enforcement easy
access to criminals' communication.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/25capital.html)

MERGERS

AMERICAN-STYLE CAPITALISM WINS ONE IN ITALY
Issue: Mergers
[Editorial] Olivetti won Telecom Italia with an American-style leveraged
buyout. The question now is will the victor be able to operate the telephone
giant. The big losers so far are Italian investors with "savings shares" of
TI -- they do not get a vote in the merger and the value of their shares has
dipped since the merger. Moving from a monopoly, TI was slated to cut back
jobs -- many more will be lost now and if the Italian government resists
layoffs, that could hurt Olivetti. "Roberto Colaninno, Olivetti's chief
executive, may go down in European history as the man who used
American-style takeover tactics to gain control of a company that he then
improved to everyone's benefit. But if things do not work out, there is
likely to be a backlash against the aggressive tactics of such takeovers."
[SOURCE: New York Times (A30), AUTHOR: Floyd Norris]
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/editorial/25tue4.html)
See also:
DEUTSCHE TELEKOM LOST MORE THAN JUST TELECOM ITALIA
[SOURCE: New York Times (C4), AUTHOR: Edmund Andrews]
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/news/financial/olivetti-deutsche-teleko...)
TELECOM-OLIVETTI MATCH REDRAWS MERGER MAP
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (A18), AUTHOR: Gautam Naik and William Boston]
(http://www.wsj.com/)

NONPROFITS/ANTITRUST

HIGH COURT LETS FTC POLICE NONPROFITS
Issue: Nonprofits/Antitrust
The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the Federal Trade Commission acted
within its authority when it sued the California Dental Association in 1993
claiming that the CDA's extensive disclosure requirements did not allow members
to advertise discounts. The Supreme Court handed the FTC a mandate to police
nonprofit associations, but also said that FTC examinations warranted further
review. Experts were displeased with these rulings saying "they will slow down
efforts by courts and regulators to forgo a rigorous analysis of market effects
before concluding that a company or association has violated antitrust law."
The FTC was also displeased as it wanted to apply a "quick-look" standard to
reviewing antitrust cases -- but can claim victory in the end. "This is a vital
element of the FTC now," said William Kovaci, a law professor at George
Washington University. "Had the court ruled against them on this, it would have
destroyed the most important non-merger related work the agency does."
[SOURCE: Washington Post (p.E3), AUTHOR: David Segal]
(http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/25/058l-052599-idx.html)

EMPLOYMENT

'90S UNKIND TO WORKERS STUDY: LOWER WAGES, LESS JOB SECURITY DOWNSIDE TO `NEW
ECONOMY'
Issue: Employment
While the fortunes of high-tech entrepreneurs often make the headlines, there
is little news about the financial situation of the average worker in the heart
of the Silicon Valley. According to a report to be released today, workers in
California are taking home less in real wages than they were at the beginning
of the 90s. Written by the San Jose-based Working Partnerships USA and the
Economic Policy Institute in Washington (DC), the report says that nearly 40%
of the jobs to be created by 2006 are in occupations that pay less that $10 an
hour. "Work in California's New Economy: Walking the Lifelong Tightrope"
highlights the fact that more and more companies are depending on temporary
workers. "These flexible arrangements make workers more vulnerable as companies
are able to shift supplier and sub-contracting relationships quickly and
easily, depending on market changes or managerial tactics, with little
responsibility to the workers affected," the report says.
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Jonathan Rabinovitz]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/indepth/docs/econ052599.htm)

INTERNATIONAL

TECHNOLOGY INTRUDES ON DOGMA IN LAND OF THE TALIBAN
Issue: Technology
Afghanistan's right-wing Taliban has finally conceded to allow technology like
laptops and cellular phones in its borders after realizing that they have as
much to gain as to fear from technology. The Taliban has restricted the use and
possession of television sets, tape cassettes and cameras since it seized
government control in 1996. After years of warfare, the county is in desperate
need for technology yet years of indoctrination against Western modernity will
be difficult to reconcile. Communications Ministry officials are now "trying to
find a way to log on without losing faith."
[SOURCE: Washington Post (A10), AUTHOR: Pamela Constable]
(http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/25/107l-052599-idx.html)

--------------------------------------------------------------
Headlines says, "So long" today to intern Alicia Kemmitt who's off to find
Tony's heart in San Francisco. (Yes, she knows...this summer could be the
coldest winter...)

INTERNET
Bliley Introduces Bill to Block "Toll Booths" on The Information
Superhighway (House)
Content Vs. Commerce Online (WP)
FCC Seeks Good Way to Separate Cable, Internet (SJ Merc)
World of Choices to Plug In to the Net (NYT)
Writing Their Own Menus (WP)

DEMOCRACY AND TECHNOLOGY
Internet Political Donations May Qualify for Matching Funds (NYT)
Mobilizing Online for Gun Control (NYT)
Citizens' Electronic Inquiries Get Governments' Attention (NYT)
Company Proceeds with Government Search Service (NYT)

TELEVISION
Taking A Critical Look at TV (WP)
Study Finds TV Trims Fiji Girls' Body Image and Eating Habits (NYT)
NBC Is Considering Quitting The NAB (WSJ)
CBC Shelves Fall Mob Series As Too Violent (WSJ)
Citizens' Electronic Inquiries Get Governments' Attention (NYT)
DTV Receiver Compatibility with Cable Television Service (FCC)

EDTECH
Helping Children to Navigate Their World (NYT)

WIRELESS TELEPHONY
A Race to the Wireless (NYT)
Report: Wiretaps On Cell Phones, Pagers, E-Mail Tripled Last Year (USA)

INTERNET

BLILEY INTRODUCES BILL TO BLOCK "TOLL BOOTHS" ON THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY
Issue: Internet/Legislation
Americans will continue to have full access to information on the Internet,
such as stock quotes used for on-line trading, under a bipartisan bill
introduced by Chairman Tom Bliley (R-VA). H.R. 1858, The Consumer and
Investor Access To Information Act of 1999, provides new protection to
publishers of electronic databases, while ensuring that public access to
information will not be limited by publishers' asserting a proprietary right
over facts and information, which historically have been part of the public
domain. The bill also provides database publishers protections against
database theft of their databases. The bill's anti-theft protections will
also protect institutions like the stock exchanges from hackers and pirates
seeking to undermine the integrity of the data they disseminate to the public.
[SOURCE: House of Representatives]
(http://com-notes.house.gov/cchear/hearings106.nsf/47b306c9f0a69f47852567050
069a969/47bc21059822e338852567760076feb4?OpenDocument)

CONTENT VS. COMMERCE ONLINE
Issue: Advertising
Walker brings forth for today's discussion the growing trend in the world of
online publishing to go commercial. She cites the recent friction between two
top online publications, Slate and Web "zine" Salon, and states her concern for
publications that are revamping their Web sites and placing more ads in efforts
to attract more commercial revenue. They are "building a profitable business
around serious online commentary," in efforts to survive the competition she
says. "It's all part of an intense mating dance going on all across the Web
between online content and commerce. The sad fact is that many serious content
sites are drawing in less traffic than corporate sites that amount to little
more than marketing brochures." Ironically, Slate who is a traditional rival of
Salon, is one of the biggest advertisers on Salon's Web site, showing that the
drive to sell can result in strange bedfellows.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E1), AUTHOR: Leslie Walker]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/20/086l-052099-idx.html)

FCC SEEKS GOOD WAY TO SEPARATE CABLE, INTERNET
Issue: Broadband
On Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman William Kennard said
the commission has the right to impose regulations on cable companies offering
Internet service, but added that he has yet to hear an effective proposal
prevent discrimination by operators of cable broadband services. AOL Chairman
Steve Case, who also spoke at the congressional briefing, argued for a law that
prohibits cable companies from bundling content with high-speed Internet
connections for consumers. Many Internet services providers and consumer groups
are concerned that cable companies will soon dominate the high-speed lines into
American households since they are not subject to the same regulations as are
telephone companies that offer Internet access. "We have a disparity -- that's
clear," agrees Chairman Kennard. "The more difficult question, in my view, is
if we assert jurisdiction what do we do?"
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR:(Reuters)]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/breaking/merc/docs/026102.htm)

A WORLD OF CHOICES TO PLUG IN TO THE NET
Issue: Internet Access
"Based on the correspondence we've received, and its emotional content,
choosing an I.S.P. seems to rank somewhere between selecting a long-distance
phone service and choosing a caterer for a bar mitzvah," Dr. Dawn McGatney,
a Maryland pediatrician and Webmaster, wrote. Dr. McGatney runs a site
called Compleat Guide to an I.S.P. You'll Enjoy Using
(dogwolf.seagull.net/isp.html). "But we hear from many folks who are now on
their fifth or higher I.S.P.," she added. "Once you switch one to two times,
it's obviously easier. There is a bit of fear of the unknown here."
According to the Strategis Group, a Washington-based research company that
studies patterns in telecommunications use, nealy 37% of home Internet users
have changed their ISP since January. There are ~4,500 ISPs available across
the country, this URL
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/circuits/articles/20ispp-side.htm
l) compares the top eight providers (measured by subscribers). A related
article
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/circuits/articles/20hint.html)
highlights seven questions a customer should ask when shopping for a new
provider.
[SOURCE: New York Times (D1), AUTHOR: Tina Kelley]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/circuits/articles/20ispp.html)

WRITING THEIR OWN MENUS
Issue: Broadband
America Online hosted a full-day session yesterday in an effort to tame wild
conversation and "gossip about what the world's largest online service will do
next" with broadband technology. Analysts have been wondering if AOL would be
late in offering high-speed Internet services, especially after its failure to
be included in AT&T's deal to purchase MediaOne Group., a cable company. AOL
spokeswoman Ann Brackbill, eased some concerns with the disclosure of AOLs 5.0,
"the newest version of the online service's access software" to be out later
this year. The AT&T-MediaOne deal, however, was unmentioned. Ulric Weil, an
analyst with investment bank Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group Inc. in Arlington
(VA), said they "downplayed the need for broadband altogether." In the author's
words, they were "consistently referring to it as an 'add-on' while touting
their plans to offer another type of high-speed access: digital subscriber line
service, or DSL."
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E1), AUTHOR: Shannon Henry]
(http://search.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/20/023l-052099-idx.h
tml)

DEMOCRACY AND TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET POLITICAL DONATIONS MAY QUALIFY FOR MATCHING FUNDS
Issue: Internet & Politics/Campaign Finance
The Federal Election Commission is expected to change rules and make credit
card donations to campaigns eligible for Federal matching funds. Most 2000
Presidential candidates have Web sites that allow credit card donations. The
first $250 of each individual contribution to a Presidential candidate is
matched with taxpayers' money as long as the candidates spend $40 million or
less in the primaries. Some FEC officials had been concerned that credit
card donations do not have the same level of documentation or security as
checks, but these reservations are giving way to a desire to encourage
Internet political activity. "2000 will be a groundbreaking year for
Internet campaigning," said Steve Forbes' press secretary. "The Internet
will be to the 2000 election what television was to the Nixon-Kennedy
election."
[SOURCE: New York Times (A21), AUTHOR: NYT]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/20fundraising-in
ternet.html)
See also:
ONLINE CAMPAIGN DONATIONS READY TO TAKE CENTER STAGE
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Jim Puzzanghera]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/indepth/docs/online052099.htm)

MOBILIZING ONLINE FOR GUN CONTROL
Issue: Online Activism
Move On, a citizen's advocacy group (www.moveon.org), gathered 500,000
electronic signatures during the impeachment of President Clinton. An
ancillary campaign, We Will Remember, has received pledges of $13 million
and 700,000 volunteer hours for the 2000 political campaigns. Recently, Move
On has turned its attention to gun control and delivered hard copies of
70,000 petition signatures urging Congress to "accept its proper role in
regulating firearms." 100,000 individual email messages have been sent
through the site to senators around the nation. Move On was started, in
part, by Joan Blades and Wes Boyd -- they founded Berkely Systems which
created After Dark, the popular screen-saver program. ""I think this
discrepancy between what is going on inside the Beltway and public opinion
outside the Beltway is the key similarity with the Gun Safety First
petition. Our intention is just to allow people to become involved, become a
five-minute activist if you want to" said Ms. Blades.
[SOURCE: New York Times (D5), AUTHOR: Kate Hafner]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/circuits/articles/20move.html)

CITIZENS' ELECTRONIC INQUIRIES GET GOVERNMENTS' ATTENTION
Issue: Access to Government Info
Government officials are now receiving -- and answering -- inquires via
email. "Agencies are learning how to use this tool to answer questions and
to provide information," said Greg Woods, an Education Department official
who is chairman of the Government Information Technology Services Board,
part of Vice President Al Gore's initiative on reinventing Government. The
story provides links to many useful Web sites, but admits that the glut of
information may make some human intervention necessary. Agencies' policies
are still inconsistent and some would rather citizens call or write them
instead of using email. "The ideal Web site is to answer as many questions
as possible, so the last option is to send an e-mail which requires a person
to intervene and answer a question," said Rich Kellet, division director for
Emerging Information Technology Policies at the General Services
Administration. "e-mail is a difficult issue because of the volume and the
potential for huge volume. So agencies are still working on how to answer
those issues."
[SOURCE: New York Times (D8), AUTHOR: Rita Beamish]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/circuits/articles/20govt.html)

COMPANY PROCEEDS WITH GOVERNMENT SEARCH SERVICE
Issue: Government Information
Northern Light Technology, the company that partnered with the Department of
Commerce to offer a new fee-based government search engine, has announced that
it will continue to offer the service with, or without the government's
support. Shortly after the service, Gov.Search was launched on Monday, Commerce
Department officials decided to halt the collection of fees and review if it
conflicted with the Administration's policy of unlimited access to government
information. Northern Light is offering the service on a free trial basis for
the next two weeks. The Commerce Department spokesman Morries Goodman, says the
agency "will have to rethink our partnership," if the company begins to
institute fees after two weeks without the Administration's approval. According
to Northern Light President and CEO David Seuss, "the service will remain up.
Commerce doesn't have to be associated with this if they don't want it."
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: ]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/20search.html)

TELVESION

TAKING A CRITICAL LOOK AT TV
Issue: TV Violence
High schools students at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda recently
participated in a "media session" to discuss the Littleton (CO) tragedy and its
relationship to media violence. They also addressed general issues on violence
and sports and violence and television news. The reactions varied from
amazement to in-depth self-reflection, "Normally you might just block the
violence out because it goes on all the time. But this really made you pay
attention," said William While, 15. "It just showed you what's out there, and
how inundated we are." Sponsored by the Maryland Department of Education and
Discovery Communications, the forums provide opportunities for elementary to
high school students to critically analyze not only the content shown on
television, but their own perceptions of it. Feedback from the sessions in
Maryland will be used for nationwide forums to be presented next year.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (B2), AUTHOR: Manuel Perez-Rivas]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/20/196l-052099-idx.html)

STUDY FINDS TV TRIMS FIJI GIRLS' BODY IMAGE AND EATING HABITS
Issue: Media & Society
A new study from the American Psychiatric Association finds that eating
disorders are on the rise in Fiji where they were virtually unheard of
before. The research began one month after satellite television became
available in the region. Girls who said they watched television three or
more nights/wk in the 1998 survey were 50% more likely to describe
themselves as "too big or fat" and 30% more likely to diet than girls who
watched television less frequently, Goode reports. Before television became
available, there was little talk of dieting in Fiji where "You've gained
weight" is a traditional compliment.
[SOURCE: New York Times (A13), AUTHOR: Erica Goode]
see (http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/world/) URL below was not available
this morning
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/news/national/science/hth-fiji-diet.html)

NBC IS CONSIDERSINF QUITING THE NAB
Issue: Television
Indicative of the growing schism between the television networks and their
affiliate stations, NBC is considering withdrawal from the major lobbying and
trade association of local stations, the National Association of Broadcasters.
NBC does not agree with the NAB's opposition to lifting station ownership
limits. Current rules limit companies to owning a number of stations that reach
no more 35% of the nation's homes. While the network are eager to have these
restrictions lifted or erased altogether, most affiliate stations fear that
relaxed ownership rules would only give greater market share to the ABC, CBS,
NBC, and Fox. NBC claims that the desire to save costs would responsible for
any defection from the trade association.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B2), AUTHOR: John Lippman]
(http://wsj.com/)

CBS SHELVES FALL MOB SERIES AS TOO VIOLENT
Issue: Television/Content
As a result of growing concern about the role of violence in the media, CBS has
decided to cut one of the most talked about shows to debut this fall. The
program, "Falcone," is a TV version of an organized crime movie staring Al
Pacino. "It's not the right time to have people whacked in the streets of New
York."
said CBS Television President Leslie Moonves, who screened the pilot just days
after the shooting in Littleton (CO). "It just didn't feel right." The show
might still appear at a later date, according CBS, who stands to make large
profits if it became a hit. In general, crime dramas are seemingly absent from
the networks new fall lineup.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B1), AUTHOR: Kyle Pope]
(http://wsj.com/)

DTV RECEIVER COMPATABILITY WITH CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE
Issue: Digital Television/Cable
The Commission's Office of Engineering and Technology, in cooperation with
the Office of Plans and Policy, will host a roundtable to discuss technical
issues and progress towards development of standards related to
compatibility between digital television (DTV) services provided by cable
and other video distribution services and consumer electronics equipment. **
Thursday, May 20, 1999 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (eastern) ** Available on the
FCC Internet Audio Broadcast Home Page at www.fcc.gov/realaudio. See topics
and speakers at
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Public_Notices/1999/pnet9
009.html).
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Public_Notices/1999/pnet9
008.html)

EDTECH

HELPING CHILDREN TO NAVIGATE THEIR WORLD
Issue: EdTech
Building social skills through a computer? Slade's article looks at software
that provides the tools for youngsters to try out and try on a range of
responses to real-world social situations. "The computer is nonthreatening,"
said Arthur Pober, an educational psychologist and child and family
counselor who is executive director of the Entertainment Software Rating
Board. "It is not another child on the block who can physically confront
your kid. It is not a parental figure, who mandates certain conduct. It can
be neutral." Basically, the software is storytelling that allows children to
choose between two or more options. The best software includes materials for
parents, as well. "The idea is that parents can act as their children's
counselors," Dr. Pober said, "which in these sticky situations is precisely
what they are supposed to be." Examples reviewed are Roberto Joins In,
Captain Kangaroo: Life's First Lessons, and Choices, Choices: On the
Playground.
[SOURCE: New York Times (D10), AUTHOR: Margot Slade]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/circuits/articles/20libe.html)

WIRELESS TELEPHONY

A RACE TO THE WIRELESS
Issue: Wireless
A look a Psion, a British company that is a major player in the race to
provide the software for "smart phones." Symbian, a consortium that includes
Psion, Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, and Sun
Microsystems, is competing to set the standard against Microsoft's Windows
CE. "It's a market that's just developing, but it's a crucial market," said
Sean Faughnan, a technology analyst with J.P. Morgan in London. "Symbian
looks like a very credible challenger."
[SOURCE: New York Times (C1), AUTHOR: Alan Cowell]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/20palm.html)

REPORT: WIRETAPS ON CELL PHONES, PAGERS, E-MAIL TRIPLED LAST YEAR
Issue: Privacy
According to a report by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, wiretaps
on cellular phones and pagers now outnumber wiretaps on conventional
telephones. The report also said that wiretaps placed by state and federal
police on cell phones, pagers, e-mail and other electronic communication
devices nearly tripled last year. Made easier by advances in technology, taps
on wireless communication have increased from 206 in 1997 to 576 in 1998. While
federal and many state laws require police to convince a judge that a wiretap
is necessary, only two requests of 1,329 were turned down last year. Critics
fear that this points to neglect by judges in their roles as overseers.
[SOURCE: USA Today (A1), AUTHOR: Richard Willing]
(http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/ctf213.htm)

--------------------------------------------------------------

MEDIA & CHILDREN
TV Violence Hearing (Senate)
To Filter Or Not To Filter (CyberTimes)

UNIVERSAL SERVICE
Lower Phone Bills and Increase Internet Access (FCC)

JOURNALISM
Path From Old Media To New Becomes More Crowded (USA)
Dow Jones and Reuters Create Net Service for
Professionals (NYT)

MERGERS/ALLIANCES
Sound of F.C.C. Silence in a Big Merger (NYT)
ICC Seeks Details in Ameritech Deal (ChiTrib)
They Don't Look Like Babies Or Bells Anymore (WSJ)
Deutsch Telekom Makes Final Push (WSJ)

INTERNET
Commerce Dept. Shuts Web Site Over Fee Issue (WP)
Internet Board Asked To Slow Down Policy Vote (CyberTimes)
3 On-Line Book Retailers Cut Prices On Best Sellers (NYT)
Cable-Internet Regulation Debated (SJ Merc)

SATELLITES
Satellite Dish Out Strong Growth (USA)

MEDIA & CHILDREN

TV VIOLENCE HEARING
Issue: Television
Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation, and Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC), Ranking Democrat of
the Committee, announced the witness list for the hearing on TV violence.
Members will discuss legislation requiring the Federal Communications
Commission to create a time period when children are protected from violent
programming. Senator Hollings introduced the bill, S.876, on April 26. The
Full Committee hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. in
room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. Senator Hollings will
preside. Following is the tentative witness list. Panel I: Dr. Leonard Eron,
Professor of Psychology and Senior Research Scientist, Institute for Social
Research, University of Michigan and Mr. Arthur Taylor, President,
Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania
Panel II: Mr. William Abbott, President, National Foundation to Improve
Television; Mr. James Hamilton, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Duke
University; and Mr. Dale Kunkel, Professor of Communication, University of
California Santa Barbara.
[SOURCE: US Senate]
(http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/press/106-62.htm)

TO FILTER OR NOT TO FILTER
Issue: Internet/Content/Regulation
The Internet Free Expression Alliance, a coalition of 13 national organizations
including the American Civil liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Privacy
Information Center (ERIC), is requesting that an FCC-launched filter
information page include links to information about filters' shortcomings. The
coalition says they agree with the FCC's goal to educate parents on how best to
protect their kids, but fear that filter vendors gloss over the tendency of
filters to block out such topics as breast cancer, homosexuality, and AIDS.
This issue will likely come up on Thursday when the Senate Commerce Committee
will hold a hearing on Senator John McCain proposal that all schools and
libraries install filters before in order to receive Federal E-rate money.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/18capital.html)

UNIVERSAL SERVICE

LOWER PHONE BILLS AND INCREASE INTERNET ACCESS
Issue: Universal Service/Telephone Regulation
William Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),
said today that consumers can reap the dual benefits of lower phone bills
and Internet access for all schools and libraries. He said this in a speech
to the National Consumers League in Washington (DC). In response to concerns
that full funding of the e-rate would boost phone bills, Chairman Kennard
said, "Your concern is one that I considered greatly in making this decision
[to recommend full funding]. And that's why along with funding the e-rate to
its cap, the FCC -- as we have done over the past two years -- is
substantially reducing other costs to America's long-distance carriers,
which they should pass along in lower rates to consumers. So even with
funding the e-rate to its cap, they will have available half a billion
dollars which can be - and should be - used to further lower long-distance
rates for American consumers." He told the National Consumers League, "Your
role is to use your unique ability to give voice to the concerns of American
consumers and tell these companies that this savings must be passed on to
the average American family, not just to the big, corporate customers."
Chairman Kennard mentioned the enormous success of the first year of the
e-rate program and the huge demand for second year funding. "By
fully-funding the e-rate program," he said, "we can meet this demand and
continue the work we've done this past year. By following this course, we
will be able to wire 528,000 additional public school classrooms to the
Internet. If we meet this high demand, we will be able to help schools that
teach 40 million American children. And only by funding at this level, will
we be able to reach the children of rural America. In fact, with this
funding, we'll be able to connect one-third of public schools throughout
rural America."
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Miscellaneous/News_Releases/1999/nrmc9030.html)

JOURNALISM

PATH FROM OLD MEDIA TO NEW BECOMES MORE CROWDED
Issue: Journalism/Internet
This month Peter Arnett, the former CNN veteran reporter, announced he would
join the new Foreign TV.com -- an international video news service to be
launched next month. The service will feature interviews with world leaders
that will be available for online viewing. Arnett says moving from TV to the
Internet be not unlike what he did 20 years ago when he left the Associated
Press for a much-speculated 24-hour news channel -- CNN. For journalists who
have moved from print to online, the attraction is to tread in new territory as
well as the ability to interact with readers? When Herb Greenberg, a columnist
for online financial publication, TheStreet.com, left the San Francisco
Chronicle to go online in 1995 he, "became enchanted by the infectious and
responsive spirit of the online audience." David Talbot, chairman and founder
of Salon, a San Francisco-based online magazine, says many still think that
online journalism equals MSNBC's "gossip columnist" Matt Drudge who publishes
unconfirmed information. As more and more print and TV journalists move online,
Greenburg says it will not be long before the Internet is thought of as, "just
another medium to convey news."
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Lisa Napoli]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/18media.html)

DOW JONES AND REUTERS CREATE NET SERVICE FOR PROFESSIONALS
Issue: Internet Content/Alliances
Perennial rivals Dow Jones and Reuters are teaming up to create an
Internet-based corporate news and information service. Articles from Dow
Jones Interactive and Reuters Business Briefing will be distributed along
with archives of their own and other outlets. News will be delivered within
couple of hours of when it happens. The wire services for the two companies
will remain separate and competitive. The companies will be competing with
Dialog whose chief executive said: "What is interesting to note is that this
new service will be comprised mainly of news. As we have said many times
before, news is increasingly a commodity, available for free on numerous
Internet sites. In this context, news-only services are more and more
difficult to sell on a stand-alone basis."
[SOURCE: New York Times (C10), AUTHOR: Felicity Barringer]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/18dow.html)

MERGERS

SOUND OF F.C.C. SILENCE IN A BIG MERGER
Issue: Mergers
Federal Communications Commission reaction to the $37 billion US West-Global
Crossing merger was restrained: FCC Chairman William Kennard told a meeting
of the National Consumers League in Washington, "We have to be careful in
trying to be too categorical about this -- in saying that all mergers are
bad, that we've reached a point where we can't have any more mergers. They
all have different competitive dynamics." The last time a local phone giant
and a long distance company -- SBC and AT&T -- talked about merger, then-FCC
Chairman Reed Hundt said it was "unthinkable." Talks of a merger ended
before an official announcement. Even though the players in the latest
merger aren't as big as SBC and AT&T, the Baby Bells are reading into
Chairman Kennard's words (or lack thereof) that their time has come and
widespread entry into long distance is not far away.
[SOURCE: New York Times (C1), AUTHOR: Seth Schiesel]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/18phone.html)
See also:
WINNICK WEAVES A SINGLE CABLE INTO A EMPIRE
[SOURCE: New York Times (C2), AUTHOR: Andrew Pollack]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/18winn.html)

ICC SEEKS DETAILS IN AMERITECH DEAL
Issue: Mergers
In their second deliberation session on the SBC-Ameritech merger, Illinois
Commerce Commissioners discussed how to open Ameritech's local phone markets
in the state to competition and how to pass savings on to consumers. In
Texas, SBC has implemented what is known as "common transport" -- which
allows competitors to connect to central offices at attractive prices.
Although Ameritech has been ordered to do so, the company still has not
achieved it. Also, when the deal was first announced, executives from the
companies spoke about cost reductions of $1.4 billion, but are now saying
the figure is $31 million.
[SOURCE: Chicago Tribune (Sec 3, p.3), AUTHOR: Jon Van]
(http://chicagotribune.com/textversion/article/0,1492,SAV-9905180241,00.html)

THEY DON'T LOOK LIKE BABIES OR BELLS ANYMORE
Issue: Telephony
Over the past decade, the Baby Bells--formed by the 1984 divestiture of
AT&T--have grown to be large and diverse telephone titans. In a recent example,
US West's has announced a merger with Global Crossing to create an underwater
cable network connecting the continents. And if Bell Atlantic and GTE;s merger
is approved, they will have access to a national long distance network. Bell
South has also been busy, investing in Latin American wireless assets, seizing
an important opportunity to expand south of the boarder. "These companies have
very different aspirations," said Analyst Brian Adamik. "They all want to be in
the long distance business, they all want to be global, but how they go about
doing it shows the difference between them." They have all, however, avoided
one strategy for expansion; none of the Baby Bells has genuinely attempted to
compete with another to provide local service.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B1), AUTHOR: Stephanie Mehta]
(http://wsj.com/)

DEUTSCH TELEKOM MAKES FINAL PUSH
Issue: Merger/Telephony
In a final effort to acquire Telecom Italia, Deutsche Telekom's CEO Ron Summer
is attempting to convince shareholder of the long-term benefits that a combined
company will reap. Olivetti's hostile takeover bid of $65 billion will expire
on Friday. Mr. Sommer only has until then to convince investors that joining
forces with the Italian phone company is an important opportunity, and perhaps
an a first step in to entering the US market.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (A23), AUTHOR: William Boston]
(http://wsj.com/)

INTERNET

COMMERCE DEPT. SHUTS WEB SITE OVER FEE ISSUE
Issue: Access to Government Info
Gov.search, a new fee-based web site launched yesterday by the National
Technical Information Service (NTIS), was shut down by the Commerce Dept. soon
after public interest advocates and federal officials rasied questions as to
whether it complies with laws on public access to government documents. The Web
site allows users who pay a fee -- $15 for a one-day pass or $30 for monthly
access -- to search for documents on federal Web sites and government archives
simultaneously. At yesterday's press conference to introduce the service,
critics demonstrated concern about paying for documents that might otherwise be
free on other federal Web sites. They also expressed discontent about current
NTIS policy that charges fees for accessing federal information in its 50-year
archive, CD-Roms and other information products. They believe that more
information on court decisions and congressional voting records should be made
public on the Web. It is estimated that Gov.search will be put on hold for 24
to 48 hours until the service has been properly reviewed. "We are going to
review the fee for this subscription service to see if it is consistent with
the administration's policy on providing open and unrestricted access to public
information," Commerce Department spokesman Morrie Goodman said.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E3), AUTHOR: Leslie Walker]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/18/017l-051899-idx.html)
See also:
U.S. SEARCH ENGINE IS STOPPED HOURS AFTER DEBUT
[SOURCE: New York Times (C6), AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/18gov.html)

INTERNET BOARD ASKED TO SLOW DOWN POLICY VOTE
Issue: Internet/Regulation
Last week a group of technologists, policy annalists, and lawyers submitted a
petition to the Internet Corporation for assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
asking that the board takes its time in adopting new rules set by the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to combat cybersquatting. The
petition requests that ICANN wait until the rules can be considered by ICANN's
supporting organizations that are still being formed.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing]
http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/18capital.html

3 ON-LINE BOOK RETAILERS CUT PRICES ON BEST SELLERS
Issue: E-Commerce
Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Borders.com will cut the prices on
best-selling books by 50% in a move that will probably mean they will all
lose money on such sales. "There are three things that drive this business,"
said Bill Curry, a spokesman for Amazon. "It's selection, price and
convenience. And we are constantly working on all three of these things.
We've added convenience with distribution centers that will get merchandise
faster to customers. And this is an opportunity to do something with price."
A number of new companies are helping book buyers compare prices through Web
services. "People are using these comparison tools," said Kate Delhagen,
director of online retail strategies for Forrester Research. "And what
Amazon is doing is making sure that they are there. It's definitely a
defensive strategy being deployed, but it's also part of their increasing
energy to add customers to their data base."
[SOURCE: New York Times (C10), AUTHOR: Doreen Carvajal]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/18book.html)
See also:
ONLINE BOOKSELLERS JOCKEY WITH PRICE CUTS
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E3), AUTHOR: David Streitfeld]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/18/080l-051899-idx.html )

CABLE-INTERNET REGULATION DEBATED
Issue: Cable
AT&T's proposed acquisition of MediaOne has stirred a growing debate as to
whether data, phone, and Internet services of cables companies should be
regulated. Bell Atlantic is pressuring the Federal Communications Commission to
block the AT&T/MediaOne deal, on the grounds that the joint company would be at
a competitive advantage over other Internet providers, which are regulated. "It
is a discrepancy there is no question about it," admitted William Kennard,
Chairman of the FCC. "My position in the past has been that we have to be very,
very careful about injecting government in a marketplace like the Internet
which has thrived quite well without a lot of government intervention. We need
to proceed very cautiously ... before we say yes regulate or don't regulate."
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Jeannine Avaesa]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/breaking/ap/docs/451808l.htm)

SATELLITES

SATELLITE DISH OUT STRONG GROWTH
Issue: Satellite
Satellite broadcasters are forging new strategies to compete with cable
operators in the race to deliver new services. Industry analyst, Robert
Kaimowitz says that cable upgrades are so slow that satellites companies are in
a better position. Although cable still leads satellite with 66 million
subscribers, satellite numbers are rising (by 26% to 11.2 million in the 12
months ending in March) and customers become more familiar with equipment. The
biggest problems consumers have with satellite is the need to use a an antennae
cable to get local stations. A bill was approved in the House and is set to go
before the Senate this week that would allow satellite companies to transmit
some local stations. If approved, Echostar plans to offer local stations in 30
markets while DirecTV plans to provide local TV to 20 markets. These satellite
companies are also trying to match cable's advantage of interactive capability.
Last week DirecTV and American Online announced a partnership that would offer
Internet service to satellite subscribers who have a set-top box. This week
Echostar begins delivering its set-top-box to subscribers and will depend on
phone companies for Internet connection.
[SOURCE: USA Today (p. 2B), AUTHOR: David Lieberman]
(http: //www.usatoday.com)

--------------------------------------------------------------

TELEVISION
NBC Edits 'Nuclear Waste' From Mini-Series, and
Outside Pressure Is Charged (NYT)
FCC Adapts Rules for Set-Top Cable Boxes (WP)

TELEPHONY
ICC Leery of Ameritech Merger (ChiTrib)
FCC Adopts Wireless 911 Rules (FCC)
Access to Buildings and Facilities by Telecommunications
Providers (House)
Proceeding to Adopt Rules for New Commercial Services (FCC)

NEW SPECTRUM USES
Roundtable Discussion of Low Power FM (FCC)

FCC REFORM
Federal Communications Commission Reform:
The States' Perspective (House)

INTERNATIONAL
Yugoslavia May Lose Some Net Access (SJ Merc)
European Digital-TV Services to Expand (WSJ)
Performance of Intergovernmental Satellite Organizations on
International Anti-Bribery Requirements (NTIA)

EMPLOYMENT
Tech visas to hit 12-month limit 4 months early (SJ Merc)
Email Abuse Leads To Firings At Investment Firm (CyberTimes)
Nortel to Cut 1,000 Jobs (WP)

TELEVISION

NBC EDITS 'NUCLEAR WASTE' FROM MINI-SERIES, AND
OUTSIDE PRESSURE IS CHARGED
Issue: Television Content/Censorship
The NBC mini-series "Atomic Train" was supposed to be about the deeds of
here Rob Lowe who battles a runaway train loaded with atomic waste and a
nuclear bomb (just to make it really exciting). The network is deleting all
reference in the show to nuclear waste, however, and dubbing in "hazardous
waste." Sen Richard Bryan (D-NV) claims that the network is responding to
pressure from the nuclear power industry since NBC is owned by General
Electric which also has a nuclear energy unit. NBC is claiming the changes
are being made so as to not mislead the public -- the network is going
through the trouble and cost, estimated at tens of thousands of dollars, it
says, because the program had been promoted as real-to-life: "If our own
promotional positioning led people to perceive it as nonfiction," said Dr
Rosalyn Weinman, NBC's executive vice president for content policy, "then I
think our level of responsibility includes not only putting a disclaimer out
but also to taking that next step. There's a lot of science here, and a lot
of regulatory and transportation issues, and we didn't have the time to vet
it properly. The conservative broadcasterly thing to do was to make those
changes."
[SOURCE: New York Times (A19), AUTHOR: Lawrie Mifflin]
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/news/national/nbc-editorial.html)
See also:
NUCLEAR INDUSTRY ADS CALLED POTENTIALLY DECEPTIVE
[SOURCE: New York Times (C2), AUTHOR: Matthew Wald]
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/news/financial/nuke-power-ads.html)

FCC ADAPTS RULES FOR SET-TOP CABLE BOXES
Issue: Cable
Aware that companies are hurrying to develop new services for distribution
through the residential cable connection, the Federal Communications
Commission adopted a compromise on cable boxes Thursday to speed the
introduction of multi-functional set-top boxes. The FCC agreed to exempt
old-fashioned analog cable boxes from FCC rules adopted last year requiring
a separate security component. The new digital boxes and analog/digital
hybrids will be required to have the security device. The rules are based on
a new generation of cable services that may include Internet service,
on-demand movies, and interactive television, in addition to far more TV
channels. The cable boxes will be sold to consumers rather than rented to
them by cable companies. Separately, the FCC on Thursday adopted a rule
requiring cell phones to include circuitry that will connect emergency calls
to 9-1-1 operators more effectively. The agency also asked for comments
about how the spectrum currently used by TV channels 60-62 and 65-67 should
be used in the future.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (Online), AUTHOR: Reuters]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/daily/may99/cable13.htm)
See also:
NAVIGATION DEVICES
Issue: Cable
From News Release: In order to improve consumer choice and foster
competition, the FCC has adopted an order revising its rules regarding the
commercial availability of navigation devices (e.g cable television set-top
boxes). The Order on Reconsideration affirms and refines rules adopted in
1998 to allow for consumer purchase and ownership of navigation devices.
This order furthers the goal of providing competition in the
telecommunications marketplace by creating a market for consumers to own
equipment used to access video programming and other services in their
homes. The Order modifies the FCC's separation requirement with regard to
analog-only devices. The Order finds that deferring application of the rules
to analog-only devices at this time will further allow the industries to
focus on the development of digital equipment and expedite achievement of
Section 629's goal of commercial availability. Key elements of the order
include: Analog Equipment, Integrated Boxes, Devices in Inventory, CableLabs
Standards Process, Application of Rules to various MVPD technologies,
Functions of Equipment Performing Conditional Access, and Portability. More
detail is available at the URL below. News Media contact: Morgan Broman at
(202) 418-2358. Cable Services Bureau contacts: Deborah Klein, Thomas Horan
at (202) 418-7200. TTY: (202) 418-7172
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/1999/nrcb9009.html)

TELEPHONY

ICC LEERY OF AMERITECH MERGER
Issue: Mergers
The $60 billion merger of Ameritech and SBC my be in doubt after the first
public deliberations of the commissioners of the Illinois Commerce
Commission. "I find the record to be appallingly vague on many issues," ICC
Chairman Richard Mathias said in the first indication of his
opinion of the deal. Chairman Mathias has indicated before that SBC and
Ameritech must prove the merger passes legal muster by providing a
preponderance of evidence -- his comments indicate that the companies have
not done that. ICC hearing examiners rejected the findings of ICC staff who
suggested major conditions be placed on the combined company or outright
rejection of the deal. Chairman Mathias said any conditions should be
spelled out clearly "but if they're not clear, then businessmen will do what
they have traditionally done in any industry and nibble around the edges."
Commissioner Terry Harvill said the ICC needs assurances "that residential
and small business customers will not be left be left behind" by the
combined companies "national-local strategy" to enter the local telephone
markets in 30 cities outside the 13 states of SBC-Ameritech. Commissioner
Ruth Kretschmer said, "I don't want to see funds generated in Illinois used
in other regions." Commissioner Richard Kolhauser appears to be the most
favorable to the deal: "All the people who talk about competition
theoretically are in the end turning out to be regulators at heart," he
said, who did agree with the others about the vagueness of the formal
record. "The record is weak," he said. "Ninety percent of it is speculation
-- from all parties." A decision by the ICC is expected in June; the FCC is
also reviewing the merger and is expected to render a decision in July.
[SOURCE: Chicago Tribune (Sec 3, p.1), AUTHOR: Jon Van]
(http://chicagotribune.com/textversion/article/0,1492,ART-28515,00.html)

FCC ADOPTS WIRELESS 911 RULES
Issue: Wireless
From the News Release: The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules
that will improve the ability of cellular phone users to complete wireless
911 calls. The action will improve the security and safety of analog
cellular users, especially in rural and suburban areas, by approving three
mechanisms any of which will result in more wireless 911 calls being
completed than occurs today. As part of its efforts to promote public
safety, the Commission adopted the Enhanced 911 (E911) First Report and
Order in 1996, which among other things required that cellular carriers
complete all 911 calls, not just those of their subscribers. At the same
time, the Commission adopted a Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
to develop additional means of improving E911 system performance to serve
public safety needs. One issue in the Second NPRM concerned proposals to
improve the transmission of 911 calls, particularly from locations where the
wireless caller's preferred carrier has a "blank spot" - an area where the
system's radio signal is very weak or non-existent. A Second Report and
Order (Order) addresses this particular issue. Additional detail available
at the URL below. News Media contact: Meribeth McCarrick at 202-418-0654,
via e-mail mmccarri( at )fcc.gov or TTY at (202) 418-7233. Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau contact: Dan Grosh (Policy Division) at 418-1310,
via e-mail: dgrosh( at )fcc.gov, or TTY at (202) 418-7233. Report No. WT 99-13 --
Docket No. CC Docket No. 94-102
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/News_Releases/1999/nrwl9016.html)

ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS
Issue: Competition
Chairman Biley's statement at oversight hearing: Competition brings
consumers long-term benefits. Competition is the best mechanism to ensure
low rates. Competition also brings better service and more choice....True:
we'd all like to see more competition. But the solution there is not to turn
our backs on the progress we've made. Instead, we should focus on ways to
remove the remaining obstacles to competition. Which brings us to the
subject of building access, the so-called 'last hundred feet.' This is an
important component to promoting competition in local telephone markets.
Consumers who live in apartment or commercial buildings are no less entitled
to the benefits of competition. I am therefore concerned when I hear charges
that building owners and managers go a long way to deny competitors access
to their properties. I know how difficult it must be to accommodate new
folks seeking access to office buildings and apartments. However, some
building owners and managers are mistakenly restricting access. I recognize
this is not true of all building owners. Some owners and managers support
competition in retail sales of electricity, which pleases me. Many owners
have done the right thing for their tenants and opened their door to
competition. So we need to find an answer to the following question: how do
we take care of the 'bad actors?' The FCC has done some good work in this
area. But much work remains, and the FCC ought to be using its power to help
us find some solutions. Let me also say that I strongly support
collaborative solutions to this problem. I applaud those building owners and
telecommunications companies that have tried to fashion a compromise, and
urge you to continue your good work. But those who choose to dig in their
heels should know that we will continue to monitor this situation. I am
committed to opening the local loop, and building access is a key component
to that effort.
[SOURCE: House of Representatives]
(http://com-notes.house.gov/cchear/hearings106.nsf/a8421c4f5171dd23852567370
07cd80f/0324b779580271698525677000522fbd?OpenDocument)

NEW SPECTRUM USES

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION OF LOW POWER FM
Issue: Radio
From FCC News Release: William E. Kennard, chairman of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), participated today in a roundtable
discussion on low power radio with representatives of many religious
organizations. The discussion took place at First Congregational Church in
Washington, DC, and was moderated by Randy Naylor of the National Council of
Churches. Chairman Kennard said his job as FCC chairman was to ensure that
the public spectrum is used to benefit all Americans and this goal will be
served by a low power radio service that will give more Americans access to
stations that serve the needs of their local communities. The Commission has
proposed allowing FM stations to operate at low power levels to broadcast to
their local communities. Comments are due on this proposal by June 1. "As
I've traveled around the country," he said, "I've met dozens of people who
want to use the airwaves to speak to their communities -- churches,
community groups, elementary schools, colleges, and minority groups. In the
Commission's proposal for a low power radio service, these people see the
opportunity to have their voices carry through their communities. To have
their voices heard. And to bring together their communities through a shared
message broadcast to all -- whether a church service, a school concert or
assembly, or a speech by a local public official. " Also attending the
roundtable discussion were: Rev. Joan Brown Campbell, General Secretary,
National Council of Churches of Christ; Rev. Everett Parker, United Church
of Christ (UCC); Rev. John Mack, Sr. Pastor, First Congregational Church,
Washington, DC; Randy Naylor, National Council of Churches; Rev. Edward
Rivera, Cleveland, OH; Kathleen Golden, Producer, Mary Knoll World
Productions; Katherine Grincewich, Asst. General Counsel, U.S. Catholic
Conference; Rev. Anand Veeraraj, Princeton, NJ; Sally White-Dishton, Intern,
Westmoreland UCC, Washington, DC; Barbara Ferguson-Kamara, Asst. to Mayor,
Washington, DC; Dr. James Mack, Howard Univ.; Kwami Osei Reed, UCC; Roberto
Gutierez, Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Austin TX; Andrew Schwartzmann, Media
Access Project. Chairman Kennard's statement available at
(http://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Kennard/Statements/stwek928.html).
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Miscellaneous/News_Releases/1999/nrmc9028.html)

PROCEEDING TO ADOPT RULES FOR NEW COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Issue: Spectrum
From News Release: The Commission began a proceeding to adopt service rules
to permit new services on spectrum bands formerly designated exclusively for
UHF television service. By previous Commission action, these spectrum bands
could potentially be used for a variety of wireless or broadcasting
services, and today's proceeding will ultimately establish rules by which
the Commission will license permitted services. The availability of this
spectrum is the result of the Commission's efforts to free up channels 60-69
for new users as part of the transition to digital television (DTV). The
746-764 MHz and 776-794 MHz bands have been used by television stations on
channels 60-62 and 65-67. Congress directed, in the Balanced Budget Act of
1997, that this 36 megahertz of spectrum be reallocated and auctioned for
commercial purposes, and specified that the auction take place after January
1, 2001. (Congress also directed in the Balanced Budget Act that 24
megahertz of spectrum be reallocated for public safety services, and the
Commission has separate proceedings underway to implement those services.)
After the auction and licensing of successful bidders for these commercial
bands, existing full power UHF licensees will be permitted to continue
operations protected from interference until the deadline for conversion to
DTV. News Media contact: Meribeth McCarrick at 202-418-0654
(mmccarri( at )fcc.gov) or TTY at (202) 418-7233. Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau contacts: Stan Wiggins (swiggins( at )fcc.gov) or Ed Jacobs
(ejacobs( at )fcc.gov) at (202) 418-1310 or TTY at (202) 418-7233.
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/News_Releases/1999/nrwl9017.html)

FCC REFORM

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION REFORM: THE STATES' PERSPECTIVE
Issue: FCC/Budget Issues
Thursday, May 20, 1999, 2:00 p.m. in 2322 Rayburn House Office Building.
Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection hearing
on FCC Reform
[SOURCE: House of Representatives]
(http://www.house.gov/commerce/schedule.htm)

INTERNATIONAL

YUGOSLAVIA MAY LOSE SOME NET ACCESS
Issue: Internet/Access
Portions of Yugoslavia may soon be without access to the Internet. Loral
Space and Communications, an American satellite company, says that it might
be ordered to cut transmission into Yugoslavia as part of the US's trade
embargo on that country. The Government order that banned the sale of "any
goods, software, technology or services," however, was ambiguous as to the
treatment of communications services. David Leavy, spokesman for the
National Security Council, said that "generally informational material is
exempt" but that electronic commerce would likely fall under the ban.
"We'll need to inquire further about the appropriate applications of the
law," he said. Jim Dempsey of the Center for Democracy and Technology
emphasized the importance of the Internet to democracy: "The Internet
remains at this point one of the major sources inside Yugoslavia for
objective news reporting about the war." Mr Dempsey also noted that the it
is the "main sources for any remaining democratic voices within Yugoslavia
to communicate with the outside world."
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Ted Bridis (Associated Press)]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/breaking/ap/docs/442241l.htm)

EUROPEAN DIGITAL-TV SERVICES TO EXPAND
Issue: DTV
Interactive services are developing at a faster pace in Britain and Europe
than in the US, says Georges Nahon, director of Microsoft Europe's Internet
unit -- which is why Microsoft has plans to continue investing in European
cable companies, with hopes of becoming a major provider of complex software
for digital TV services. Microsoft has already invested in Britain's NTL
and plans to invest in Telewest Communications PLC, as well as five other
major European cable companies. European consumers, like those in the US,
continue to remain wary of the new technological services that transmit
blurry Web pages to TV screens and currently offer flawed email services.
Microsoft executives, however, "insist that their investments in Britain
will bear fruit" given the country's sophisticated fiber-optic
technology and the success of satellite TV and the Internet in the UK.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B4), AUTHOR: Gautam Naik and Matthew Rose]
(http://wsj.com)

PERFORMANCE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL SATELLITE ORGANIZATIONS ON
INTERNATIONAL ANTI-BRIBERY REQUIREMENTS
Issue: Satellite
Comments received in the Commerce Department's proceeding on progress made
by Intergovernmental Satellite Organizations' (ISOS) signatories in
providing full and open competition in their communications satellite
markets. (Comment period closed May 12, 1999)
[SOURCE: NTIA]
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/occ/index.html)

EMPLOYMENT

TECH VISAS TO HIT 12-MONTH LIMIT 4 MONTHS EARLY
Issue: Employment
While Congress doubled the number of visas available for foreign workers
with high-tech skills just this year, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service says it has already used up its annual allotment of the H-1B visas.
The visa limit, which was temporally raised to permit the entrance of
115,000 workers annually, has been reached four months earlier than
expected. News of the visa shortage stirred arguments from both sides of the
this contentious issue. "This proves that there is a real shortage of
high-tech workers," said Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-MI), who sponsored the
bill boosting the cap last year. "It shows the need for the legislation we
passed last year." Dan Stein, of Federation for American Immigration Reform
disagreed. "This has nothing to do with labor shortages. This has to do with
cheap labor and labor exploitation. All Abraham has done (with the law) is
corrupt the recruitment process in
software and information technology industries.''
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Newhouse News Service]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/breaking/merc/docs/visas051499.htm)

EMAIL ABUSE LEADS TO FIRINGS AT INVESTMENT FIRM
Issue: Employment/Privacy
Edward Jones, a large investment firm in St Louis (MO), recently fired 18
employees, allowed one to resign, and warned 41 others for abusing the
company's email system. Employment lawyer Amy H. Kohn sees this as part of a
growing trend of employers monitoring company email. "There is heightened
awareness and a moving toward a closer examination of companies' approach to
email." Edward Jones employees are now required to sign a document agreeing to
"acceptable uses" of email before they are given an account. Edward Jones would
not disclose details of the incident, but said an employee complained of an
"inappropriate" email. A company spokeswoman said "the company took action to
make sure each of us is comfortable in our place of work." A related suit in a
Brooklyn federal district court was dismissed recently because a judge declared
that a single email is not enough to "create a hostile working environment."
As more employers are monitoring email, the American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) receives 6-7 complaints a week about "email snooping" on the job. One
woman complained that her boss printed an intimate message she sent to her
boyfriend and posted it on a bulletin board. ACLU legal director Jeremy
Gruber says there is little privacy protection under the law for employee
email and people should know that deleting a message does not guarantee it
is removed from the company's network. He also notes that many people are at
their jobs for more than 8 hours per day and it's reasonable that they
should conduct some personal business.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Pamela Mendels]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/cyberlaw/14law.html)

NORTEL TO CUT 1,000 JOBS
Issue: Employment
Selling plants and cutting 1,000 jobs, Nortel Networks is restructuring to
make Canada's largest telecommunications company more competitive. The
Thursday announcement will affect 4,000 employees. Nortel will contract out
all but its most complex printed circuit board assembly and estimates that
about 3,000 of its employees will move to work for the contractors. About
1,000 more jobs will be cut as part of its retrenchment program originally
announced in January. In Canada, Nortel is selling plants and repair centers
in Brockville and Mississauga, Ontario and northern Toronto and
electro-mechanical assembly operations in Calgary and the Montreal area.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (Online), AUTHOR: Associated Press]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WAPO/19990513/V000491-051399-idx.html)

--------------------------------------------------------------
...and we're outta here. And Headliner Ted Tate is really outta
here...moving on to greener pastures after graduation. Many thanks to Ted
who has promised his new wife that he'll not give her any more summaries of
Washington Post stories. We'll officially welcome a new member to the
Headlines team on Monday.