Benton RSS Feed

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

NEWS FROM NAB CONVENTION
FCC Conflicted Over Digital Carriage
Statement by Common Cause at the NAB Conference
FCC Divided on Broadcasters' Public Interest Obligation
Copps Favors Cable-Indecency Regs
And More News from Las Vegas

TELEVISION
Bush Ad Buy Goes Bye-Bye
Study: Net Diversity Efforts Mixed
MADD is Mad About Booze Ads
Diller, Vivendi Reach Agreement
Media Ownership Madness and the Third Person Effect Hypothesis
Return of the (Un)Fairness Doctrine: The Media Ownership Reform Act

INTERNET
Feds Ding AT&T Over Internet Calls
Kerry's Broadband Policy Plans Emerging
Libraries Wired and Reborn
Marketers Falling Short on Can-Spam, Study Says
GOP Finds Its Online Voice, and Roars

QUICK HITS
The Cartoon Guide to Federal Spectrum Policy
IDT Uses Wi-Fi to Offer Cheaper Cell Service
Champion of Public Broadcasting Award
Voting Panel Grills Diebold

NEWS FROM NAB CONVENTION

FCC CONFLICTED OVER DIGITAL CARRIAGE
National Association of Broadcasters convention attendees heard conflicting=
=20
messages from FCC commissioners Tuesday. While Commissioners Copps and=20
Adelstein reiterated their stand for specific, quantifiable obligations,=20
Commissioner Kevin Martin said broadcasters are "as involved in their local=
=20
communities as any industry I've seen." He is "very hesitant to quantify=20
the public interest obligations because "a floor often becomes a ceiling,"=
=20
that curtails community service. Commissioner Martin saw a number of=20
nodding heads when he said "the most important thing" that the FCC can do=20
to help complete the transition to digital is clarify the must-carry issue.=
=20
Meanwhile, Commissioner Susan Abernathy seems to be on the fence; public=20
interest obligations "are very different if [broadcasters] get must-carry=20
rights," Commissioner Abernathy said. "It=92s hard to separate the two=
issues."
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Steve McClellan]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA411972?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

STATEMENT BY COMMON CAUSE AT THE NAB CONFERENCE
There's been some coverage of what FCC Commissioners Copps and Adelstein=20
said at a press event organized by the Public Airwaves, Public Interest=20
Coalition at the National Association of Broadcasters convention. Here are=
=20
remarks by coalition member Common Cause.
Since 1997, the top five station groups in the country and their parent=20
companies, along with the National Association of Broadcasters, have spent=
=20
nearly $150 million on campaign contributions and lobbying in Washington.=20
That investment has paid off. Broadcasters are on the cusp of a digital=20
revolution that could bring them billions in new revenues, thanks to the=20
$70 billion worth of digital TV licenses they received for free from the=20
Federal Communications Commission seven years ago. Broadcasters now want=20
the FCC to approve a "multi-cast must-carry" rule that would require cable=
=20
companies to carry their new digital channels. Broadcasters have lobbied=20
Congress and the FCC for special treatment because they say that they serve=
=20
the public interest. But serving the public interest is not about running=
=20
public service announcements or covering fires, or sponsoring telethons and=
=20
breast cancer walks. Rather it is informing the public so that they can=20
participate in their democracy. We are here to say to broadcasters, "You=20
can do better." We are here to present them with a new vision of=20
television, one that permits their news staffs and producers to use their=20
creativity to connect their audiences to their local, state and national=20
governments, and to engage viewers in lively discussions and debates about=
=20
issues they care about. Our 250,000 Common Cause members and supporters=20
across the country, and our 115,000 e-mail activists will be bringing this=
=20
same message to their local broadcasters, to their elected Members of=20
Congress, to the Presidential candidates, and to the FCC. We may not have=20
$150 million, but we have the public on our side. We are here to launch a=
=20
petition campaign that will spread across the country. We want the NAB to=
=20
know: "What happens today in Vegas will not stay in Vegas."
[SOURCE: Common Cause]
http://www.commoncause.org/news/default.cfm?ArtID=3D319
For more reports from Las Vegas see:
http://www.commoncause.org/news/default.cfm?ArtID=3D318
http://www.commoncause.org/news/default.cfm?ArtID=3D320

FCC DIVIDED ON BROADCASTERS' PUBLIC INTEREST OBLIGATION
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell said that he was=
=20
"not averse to the Commission's considering new public interest=20
obligations" for broadcasters. Others commissioners appear divided on the=20
issue as they let their views be known during a series of high-profile=20
industry events in Las Vegas.
[SOURCE: Media Channel, AUTHOR: Timothy Karr]
http://www.mediachannel.org/views/dissector/affalert185.shtml

COPPS FAVORS CABLE-INDECENCY REGS
The Federal Communications Commission's Michael Copps believes it is time=20
for cable programming to face the same scrutiny that broadcasting does when=
=20
it comes to indecency -- especially when children are expected to be in the=
=20
audience. Commissioner Copps would support an FCC rulemaking on questions=20
related to the constitutionality of applying broadcast-indecency=20
regulations to cable in light of at least one Supreme Court ruling that=20
government must meet a high legal burden in order to regulate pay TV=20
services. Other FCC commissioners are not so aggressive. "That direction=20
would have to come from Congress," Republican FCC Commissioner Kathleen=20
Abernathy said. Democrat FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein added, "I=20
think we would be on much safer constitutional ground if Congress were to=20
give us some clarification here."
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA411968?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)
Also see:
AN INDECENT CRACKDOWN
An editorial on the "silly, but potentially dangerous" crackdown on=20
indecent broadcast content and how it could spread to cable TV as well.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/22/opinion/22THU2.html
(requires registration)

AND MORE NEWS FROM LAS VEGAS
FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin has joined Commissioners Copps and Adelstein=
=20
in support of the Public Interest, Public Airwaves Coalition's proposal for=
=20
that broadcasters provide 5 min. per night of candidate-centered discourse=
=20
before an election. The National Association of Broadcasters presented to=20
reporters a packet of materials countering the Coalition=92s arguments.=20
Commissioner Copps wants a comprehensive proceeding on the public interest=
=20
obligations of digital television broadcasters =93in order to ensure that=20
multicasting serves the multi-faceted public interest.=94 FCC Chairman=20
Powell=92s Chief of Staff Jonathan Cody repeated the urgings of his boss for=
=20
the industry to reestablish a voluntary code of ethics.
The FCC may soon be deciding on a three year-old petition from the Network=
=20
Affiliated Stations Alliance (NASA) asking the FCC to investigate alleged=20
illegal practices of the four major networks. Commissioner Adelstein has=20
championed this cause since arriving at the Commission. =93We finally need=
to=20
complete action on this one way or the other to decide whether there is any=
=20
clarification of the rules to look at these contracts and make sure that=20
the right to reject rule is fully protected in all of these contracts. Some=
=20
people on the network side say that it is. Well, if it is, there shouldn't=
=20
be any concern there. And if we agree it isn't, we need to make sure that=20
our rules are complied with,=94 Commissioner Adelstein said.
The NAB=92s new task force on responsible programming elected David Kennedy,=
=20
CEO of Susquehanna Radio, and Gary Chapman, Chairman of LIN TV, as=20
co-chairs for panel that will develop self-policing methods in the areas of=
=20
indecent content. The task force will look at a code of conduct.
Finally, a plan proposed by Emmis Broadcasting's Jeffrey Smulyan to use=20
broadcasters excess digital channels to sell programming to the public is=20
gaining steam. At a news conference eleven other broadcasting groups are on=
=20
board with Emmis. The plan calls for subscribers to buy a set-top box for=20
less than $100 and pay the TV station =93roughly=94 $25 monthly for local=20
signals and at least 30 cable channels. The unnamed system would deliver=20
signals via its extra digital channel space, while the station=92s principal=
=20
DTV signal would remain =93free, over-the-air.=94 [Scary... that sounds like=
=20
competition.]
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: ]
(Not available online)

TELEVISION

BUSH AD BUY GOES BYE-BYE
With political advertising itself such a big issue in this election, the=20
candidates' ad strategies have become news. "Free" news coverage 24/7 has=20
convinced the Bush campaign to slash ad spending, but media executives keep=
=20
raking the big bucks in. The only winners thus far are media executives,=20
who are happy to collect cash from all parties. Analyst Tom Wolzien=20
estimates the total election-year advertising buy (including congressional=
=20
races) at more than $1.5 billion. How effective the ads are is hardly the=20
concern of broadcasters and cable titans. Where else can politicians go to=
=20
reach voters en masse? In our ever-fragmenting media omniverse, even as=20
their ratings plunge, television networks still represent the best spot=20
money can buy.
[SOURCE: Media Channel, AUTHOR: Rory O=92COnnor]
http://www.mediachannel.org/views/dissector/affalert182.shtml
Also see
WP: Campaign Ads Heating Up
President Bush and Sen. John F. Kerry ratcheted up their air war on=20
Wednesday, with the incumbent accusing his opponent of "doublespeak" and=20
the challenger promising a new approach to the violence in Iraq.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32413-2004Apr21.html
USAToday: http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040422/6136107s.htm

STUDY: NET DIVERSITY EFFORTS MIXED
More coverage of the Children Now report Headlines noted yesterday. In Fall=
=20
Colors 2003-2004: Prime Time Diversity Report, Children Now finds that for=
=20
every two actual Latinos viewers see in real life, they only see one on=20
prime-time network broadcasts. And almost half of Middle Eastern characters=
=20
(46%) portrayed on TV were criminals, compared to 15% of Asian/Pacific=20
Islanders and Latinos, 10% of African Americans and 5% of whites. Luckily=20
no Native American were cast as criminals, but that's because they are=20
absent from prime-time programming. All the networks have pledged to take=20
steps to increase representation of minorities both in front of and behind=
=20
the camera.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA411956?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)

MADD IS MAD ABOUT BOOZE ADS
The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth has found that alcohol ads air in=
=20
all 15 of the shows most popular with youth ages 12-17, including Survivor,=
=20
Fear Factor and That 70's Show. The organization estimates that=20
12-20-year-olds see two beer or spirit ads for every three that adults see,=
=20
and three alcopop ads for every four that adults see. These findings have=20
Mothers Against Drunk Driving asking advertisers to promise not to place=20
alcohol ads in TV shows with less than 90% adult audiences.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA412169?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)
Also see:
WSJ: More Teens View Alcohol Ads
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB108257004527089442,00.html?mod=3Dmm%5...
ia%5Fmarketing%5Fhs%5Fleft

DILLER, VIVENDI REACH AGREEMENT
Apparently Federal Trade Commission approval of the NBC-Vivendi Universal=20
merger was not the last hurdle the deal faced -- it was Barry Diller. When=
=20
he sold his USA entertainment assets to Vivendi in 2002, Mr. Diller=20
negotiated a number of complex restrictions on Universal movie, theme parks=
=20
and TV assets. NBC had made removing the covenants a condition of closing=20
the deal, fearing Mr. Diller could use them to thwart NBC's plans for=20
everything from the lucrative "Law & Order" TV franchise to the future of=20
the theme parks. In exchange for dropping its covenants, InterActive will=20
receive letters of credit valued at about $2 billion to cover the value of=
=20
its preferred shares in Vivendi Universal Entertainment.
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR:Richard Verrier]
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-vivendi22apr22,1,8407...
tory?coll=3Dla-headlines-pe-business

MEDIA OWNERSHIP MADNESS AND THE THIRD PERSON EFFECT HYPOTHESIS
In the debate over media ownership regulation, it has become evident that=20
fanaticism has trumped the facts and emotionalism has won out over=20
empirical evidence. The hyperbolic rhetoric, shameless fear-mongering, and=
=20
unsubstantiated claims that have thus far driven the absurd backlash to=20
media liberalization have absolutely no foundation in reality whatsoever.=20
But that hasn't stopped some lawmakers from spinning outlandish Chicken=20
Little tales about a world in which they didn't control the media.
[SOURCE: Cato Institute, AUTHOR: Adam Thierer athierer( at )cato.org]
http://www.cato.org/tech/tk/040420-tk.html

RETURN OF THE (UN)FAIRNESS DOCTRINE: THE MEDIA OWNERSHIP REFORM ACT
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) recently introduced a bill titled The Media=20
Ownership Reform Act=20
(http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.4069:), which proposes the=
=20
radical re-regulation of the media marketplace in America. His draconian=20
bill (H.R. 4069) would not only undo all the limited ownership reforms that=
=20
the FCC pushed through last summer, it would reinstate cable=ADbroadcaster=
=20
cross-ownership regulations that were struck down by the courts and more=20
tightly restrict the number of radio stations a firm can own locally and=20
nationally. Worst of all, the bill would resurrect two disastrous FCC rules=
=20
that were thought to have been swept into the dustbin of history long ago:=
=20
the so-called "Fin-Syn" rules and the hideously misnamed Fairness Doctrine.
[SOURCE: Cato Institute, AUTHOR: Adam Thierer athierer( at )cato.org]
http://www.cato.org/tech/tk/040420-tk-2.html

INTERNET

FEDS DING AT&T OVER INTERNET CALLS
The FCC ruled on Wednesday that AT&T must pay traditional local access=20
charges to complete Internet phone calls, putting the long-distance carrier=
=20
on the hook for billions of dollars in deferred fees. AT&T had argued that=
=20
it was not required to pay the access fees to local landline companies for=
=20
completing long-distance calls, when those calls travel partly over the=20
Internet. But the FCC disagreed. The FCC said its ruling affects only calls=
=20
that begin and end on the public-switched telephone network and use=20
Internet Protocol networks in between. The ruling is not expected to impact=
=20
commercial VoIP providers. "The carrier has long been obligated to pay=20
access charges for this service, and we unanimously confirm that it still=20
is required to do so," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said in a statement.=20
AT&T warned in a statement that this is the FCC's first step in regulating=
=20
the Internet. Other Net phone service providers said they were happy that=20
the FCC had issued its decision, which ended a two-year wait that has, to=20
some degree, stalled development of VoIP services. Earlier this year the=20
FCC ruled that calls that travel entirely over the Internet are not subject=
=20
to access fees. The Commission is in the process of a larger review of=20
Internet telephone service.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Ben Charny]
http://news.com.com/2100-7352_3-5197204.html?tag=3Dnefd.top
Additional coverage
Reuters: AT&T Loses Fee Fight Over Some Web Calls
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=3DFJEATR0MBL4FUCRBAE...
A?type=3DinternetNews&storyID=3D4899775&section=3Dnews
WSJ: FCC Rejects AT&T Bid To Avoid Fees on Web Calls
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB108258607410889811,00.html?mod=3Dtoda...
s_marketplace
FCC's Decision:=20
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-97A1.doc
Powell Statement:=20
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-97A2.doc
Abernathy Statement:=20
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-97A3.doc
Copps Statement:=20
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-97A4.doc
Martin Statement:=20
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-97A5.doc
Adelstein Statement:=20
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-97A6.doc

KERRY'S BROADBAND POLICY PLANS EMERGING
Sen John Kerry is expected to announce his plan for broadband policy soon.=
=20
He is being advised on the issue by former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt who=20
predicts that part of the plan will be defining broadband as a "universal=20
service," making broadband more affordable in rural and other underserved=20
areas and freeing up new sections of the wireless spectrum that could be=20
used for affordable broadband services. President Bush has already=20
announced that his administration's goal to reach universal access to=20
broadband by 2007, without providing additional details. Even though both=20
candidates are talking about broadband, it is unlikely it will become a=20
defining issue. "Technology policy delivers about zero votes," said Rick=20
White, the former Washington state congressman who now serves as the chief=
=20
executive officer for TechNet, a bipartisan technology industry trade=20
group. "People vote on other issues."
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: John Borland]
http://news.com.com/2100-1034_3-5197218.html?tag=3Dnefd.top

LIBRARIES WIRED, AND REBORN
What has the Internet done for libraries? Transformed them and help them do=
=20
what they have always aimed to do: providing information free to the=20
public. In 1996, 28% of all libraries had PC's for public access to the=20
Internet. Now, 95% of libraries offer Internet access. The Bill and Melinda=
=20
Gates Foundation has helped by installing or paying for more than 47,000=20
PCs as well as providing leadership, training and a simplified recipe for=20
using and maintaining PC's in public libraries. And Internet-connected=20
computers are clearly bringing more people into libraries. A year after=20
computers are put in libraries that do not have them, visits rise 30=20
percent on the average and attendance typically remains higher, according=20
to a study led by Andrew C. Gordon, a professor of public policy at the=20
University of Washington.
There's much more at the URL below. Also see "Toward Equality of Access" at=
=20
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/nr/Downloads/libraries/uslibraries/report...
wardEqualityofAccess.pdf=20
to see how libraries are helping to bridge the Digital Divide.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Steve Lohr]
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/22/technology/circuits/22gate.html
(requires registration)

MARKETERS FALLING SHORT ON CAN-SPAM, STUDY SAYS
A Jupiter Research survey has found that many companies are not complying=20
with provisions in the Can-Spam Act that require updating of email lists=20
weekly to delete addresses that have opted out. A quarter of marketers=20
indicated that they delete e-mail addresses on a monthly basis, quarterly=20
or never. While 21% of the marketers allow consumers to simply reply to an=
=20
e-mail to opt out, about one-third said within their e-mails that "Replies=
=20
to this e-mail will not be processed." The Can-Spam Act requires that=20
messages include a valid physical address of the sender, but only 64=20
percent actually include a street address, according to the report.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Dinesh C. Sharma]
http://news.com.com/2100-1028_3-5196362.html?tag=3Dnefd.top

GOP FINDS ITS ONLINE VOICE AND ROARS
Think the Republicans got lost somewhere in cyberspace? Think again. The=20
GOP's underreported e-campaign may lack the media razzle-dazzle of the=20
Deaniac phenomenon, but it promises to leave no less a mark on the annals=20
of political campaign history. For George W. Bush, the Internet is a potent=
=20
tactical weapon and his aides intend to wield it with party discipline and=
=20
order to November 2 and beyond.
[SOURCE: Media Channel, AUTHOR: Michelle Levander]
http://www.mediachannel.org/views/dissector/affalert184.shtml

QUICK HITS

THE CARTOON GUIDE TO FEDERAL SPECTRUM POLICY
This Cartoon Guide seeks to use the public's intuitive grasp of the=20
acoustic spectrum to bring the public into the policy debate over=20
unlicensed access to the radio spectrum. And, since Hollywood is turning so=
=20
many comics into movies these day, it is obviously a way for author Jim=20
Snider to make tons of cash.
[SOURCE: New America Foundation, AUTHOR: J.H. Snider]
http://www.newamerica.net/Download_Docs/pdfs/Pub_File_1555_1.pdf

IDT USES WI-FI TO OFFER CHEAPER CELL SERVICE
Think cell phone service is too expensive? Long-distance company IDT is=20
planning to launch a cell phone service based on Wi-Fi technology aimed at=
=20
low- to moderate-income subscribers. At first the company will give away=20
free phones (they will eventually cost ~$100) and monthly service will be=20
about $2/month. Service areas will be limited to Wi-Fi hotspots. "We're=20
creating a new industry . . . that can provide affordable phone service for=
=20
everyone," says Jim Courter, CEO of IDT, a leading provider of prepaid=20
calling cards. Daniel Briere, CEO of research firm TeleChoice, says such=20
services could threaten wireless firms. But Yankee Group's Roger Entner=20
says cellphone service is ubiquitous and, for as little as $20 a month,=20
affordable. ''I don't think they will have a massive market here."
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Paul Davidson]
http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040422/6136133s.htm

CHAMPION OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING AWARD
The Association of Public Television Stations have awarded Lisa Sutherland=
=20
in the office of Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens, and BettiLou Taylor, staff=20
director of the Senate Labor-HHS-Education appropriations subcommittee the=
=20
Champion of Public Broadcasting Award in its first year. Ms. Sutherland has=
=20
been a strong supporter of efforts to preserve federal funding for public=20
broadcasting, and especially funding for the digital transition. Ms. Taylor=
=20
helps ensure that public broadcasting receives the strong bi-partisan=20
support needed to secure modest funding increases each year.
[SOURCE: Association of Public Television Stations ]
http://www.apts.org/html/whatsnew/sutherland_taylor_04.htm

VOTING PANEL GRILLS DIEBOLD
Electronic voting is back in the news in California where the state's=20
Voting Systems and Procedures Panel has found that "Diebold marketed, sold=
=20
and installed its TSx (voting machine) in these four California counties=20
prior to full testing, prior to federal qualification, and without=20
complying with the state certification program," read a staff report on the=
=20
investigation of Diebold Election Systems released Tuesday. An audit of all=
=20
17 California counties using the company's equipment, the report went on to=
=20
say, "discovered that Diebold had, in fact, installed uncertified software=
=20
in all its client counties without notifying the Secretary of State as=20
required by law, and that the software was not federally qualified in three=
=20
client counties." The panel could decide Wednesday or Thursday to recommend=
=20
a variety of remedies, from decertifying some of Diebold's voting equipment=
=20
to barring electronic voting methods altogether. More at the URL below.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Paul Festa]
http://news.com.com/2100-1028-5197192.html?tag=3Dcd.top
--------------------------------------------------------------
For additional stories concerning the field, see today's Media Headlines=20
from Free Press http://www.freepress.net
--------------------------------------------------------------
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. Headlines are compiled by=20
Kevin Taglang (ktaglang( at )etpost.net) -- we welcome your comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------

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

CORRECTION: The first line in the summary of The Big Chill should have
read, "In this commentary, Wright writes that NO further broadcast content
regulation
is necessary and suggests..."[emphasis added]. The misrepresentation of
Mr. Wright's stance was unintentional.

NEWS FROM LAS VEGAS
Fritts to Cable: Tear Down Digital Wall
Lights, Camera, Technology
Upton: SHVIA Markup April 28
Barton Predicts Cable, Satellite Indecency Rules

CENSORSHIP
Media Groups Ask F.C.C. to Reconsider NBC Ruling
China Lets Cheney Speak on TV but Censors Remarks Afterward
Freedom, a Call Away?

PRIVACY
Privacy Group Files Google Gmail Complaints

FCC
Local Telephone Competition and Broadband Reporting
FCC Establishes New Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

NEWS FROM LAS VEGAS

FRITTS TO CABLE: TEAR DOWN DIGITAL WALL
Modern day freedom fighter Edward Fritts stood bravely in front of his
compatriots in the air conditioned halls of Las Vegas and challenged the
monopoly powers of cable to "Tear down that wall" that separates
digitally-starved US television viewers from the pretty pictures and better
sound of HDTV. "Stop blocking consumer access to the best picture the world
has ever seen," Mr. Fritts told the National Association of Broadcasters
convention. "Our DTV and high-definition signals are all dressed up with no
place to go," he added. "I call on the [Federal Communications Commission]
to break down the cable industry's digital dam and let the free broadcast
signals flow." Not a single eye in the convention center was dry as the
NAB's president continued, "The cable monopoly is frightened of potential
competition that would be created by hundreds of new channels offered free
by broadcasters." Our children are likely to learn these heroic words in
television school: Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, if you seek peace, if you
seek prosperity for the broadcasters and the cable operators, if you seek
liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Roberts, open this gate! Mr.
Roberts, tear down this wall!
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA411404?display=Breaking+News
(requires subscription)

LIGHTS, CAMERA, TECHNOLOGY
At the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas,
Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina says there is "no question" that digital
technology is shaping the capabilities of broadcasting. Apple unveils five
new software packages for broadcasters and digital video editors, including
new visual effects and editing tools for high-definition video.
Hewlett-Packard is tightening its partnership with DreamWorks SKG and
beginning a new one with Warner Bros. Studios, part of HP's efforts in
utility computing and digital entertainment. And Microsoft says its
high-definition Windows Media 9 technology is being used in a variety of
new places.
News.com has expanded coverage at the URL below.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com]
http://news.com.com/2009-1025_3-5195031.html?tag=nefd.lede

UPTON: SHIVA MARKUP APRIL 28
House Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton
(R-MI) said at the National Association of Broadcasters convention that his
committee will vote on a reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer
Improvement Act of 1999 on Wednesday April 28. The House bill would give
EchoStar Communications one year to stop the use of two dishes to receive
all local TV signals in a market. House Judiciary Committee chairman James
Sensenbrenner (R-WI.) indicated concern that "should a controversial bill
leave the House," the Senate would block in it favor of a simpler bill that
extended for five years the right of satellite carriers to provide
distant-network signals to subscribers who can't receive the same
programming from local network stations with off-air antennas.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA411463?display=Breaking+News
(requires subscription)

BARTON PREDICTS CABLE, SATELLITE INDECENCY RULES
House Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) told a audience at the
NAB that he expects Congress will extend indecency rules to cable and
satellite television systems. But legislation to do so is still three or
four years away, he predicted. Rep Barton suggested that adopting a ratings
system for cable and satellite, or tiering services so that consumers can
create their own buffet-style programming menu, are two possible routes to
self-regulation that could prevent Congressional mandates. House
Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI)
predicts that the broadcast indecency bill will be voted on in the next
several weeks.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Steve McClellan]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA411390?display=Breaking+News
(requires subscription)

CENSORSHIP

MEDIA GROUPS ASK FCC TO RECONSIDER NBC RULING
As the WSJ reported yesterday, a group representing 24 media organizations
and individual performers filed a petition yesterday asking the FCC to
reconsider its ruling against NBC for violating decency standards.
Executives involved in the petitions claimed that the "political climate"
was responsible for what they labeled a broad and hopelessly vague standard
for decency in programming, which has driven broadcasters to take drastic
steps to limit the content of programs they broadcast. Robert Corn-Revere,
the First Amendment lawyer who filed the petition, said the FCC decision
had moved the policing of offensive speech away from what previous court
decisions had intended. "It was meant to be cautious; now it's become
expansive and Draconian." The petition is seen as just a first step in a
court challenge to FCC decency enforcement.
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Bill Carter]
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/20/business/media/20tube.html
(requires registration)
WP: TV, Radio Groups Want FCC Ruling Reversed
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25605-2004Apr19.html
LATimes: Coalition Takes On FCC View of Indecency
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-fcc20apr20,1,2026133....
See also coalition's Press Release
http://www.mediaaccess.org/GoldenGlobesRelease.pdf
The 71 page petition is also available online at
http://www.mediaaccess.org/GoldenGlobesPFR.pdf

CHINA LETS CHENEY SPEAK ON TV BUT CENSORS REMARKS AFTERWARD
Vice President Dick Cheney was allowed to speak live and uncensored on
China's all-news television channel last week. But the broadcast received
no advance promotion or even a listing in the Chinese news media and was
not repeated. The authorities promptly provided leading Web sites with a
"full text" of the vice president's remarks, including his answers to
questions after the speech, that struck out references to political
freedom, Taiwan, North Korea and other issues that propaganda officials
considered sensitive. Officials sought to convey a relaxed attitude about
what Mr. Cheney might say in public but worked to alter the record. "What
they do to control the media is sometimes surreal," said Yu Maochun, a
China expert at the United States Naval Academy who noticed discrepancies
between Mr. Cheney's speech and the Chinese transcript. "Censorship is a
habit they can't kick."
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Joseph Kahn]
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/20/international/asia/20CHEN.html
(requires registration)

FREEDOM, A CALL AWAY?
Life without a cell phone? Eritrea is the only country in Africa where
mobile phones have not become a staple of life. The government opened the
application process for the country's first cell phones three weeks ago,
but the notice indicated that only government ministers, diplomats and
selected humanitarian organizations would be considered. In many places in
Africa, where scratchy land lines function sporadically, cell phones have
become not just a standard amenity but an indispensable tool of freedom,
democracy and safety in war. "The significance of the mobile handset as a
political tool lies in the fact that Africa today has more mobile
subscribers than the number of connected fixed lines," said Christopher
Wambua, public and media liaison for the Communications Commission of
Kenya, a nongovernmental group. "It's revolutionary for democracy because
it gives people real connections with the outside world."
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Emily Wax]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25560-2004Apr19.html
(requires registration)

PRIVACY

PRIVACY GROUP FILES GOOGLE GMAIL COMPLAINTS
Privacy International has filed complaints with privacy and data-protection
regulators in 17 countries in Europe, Canada and Australia. Google's Gmail
"violates privacy law, both in Europe and in other countries. The complaint
identifies a wide range of possible breaches of European Union law," said
director Simon Davies. Privacy International filed the complaints in
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Czech
Republic, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Austria, Australia
and Canada, and also with the European Commission and the Article 29 Data
Protection Working Group.
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Lucas van Grinsven and Bernhard Warner]
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=internetNews&storyID=48661...
LATimes: More Criticism of Gmail Plan
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-google20apr20,1,57859...

FCC

LOCAL TELEPHONE COMPETITION AND BROADBAND REPORTING
In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice), the FCC seeks comment about
specific proposals to improve its local competition and broadband data
gathering program,
including gathering more granular data from broadband service providers and
extending the program for five years beyond its currently designated sunset
in March 2005. The information collected in this program helps the
Commission and the public understand the extent of local telephone
competition and broadband deployment, which is important to the nation's
economic, educational, and social well-being. The proposals on which the
Commission seeks comment attempt to further that goal while minimizing
burdens on marketplace competitors and innovators. The proposed broadband
reporting revisions include: more detailed reporting about the deployment
of technologies to serve mass market broadband end users, particularly
cable modem and DSL connections; more detailed tracking, over time, of
marketplace adoption of increasingly fast broadband connections; and more
detailed tracking of marketplace adoption of new broadband technologies.
Comments due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register.
For further information regarding this proceeding, contact Ellen Burton,
Assistant Chief, James Eisner, Senior Economist, or Thomas J. Beers, Deputy
Chief, Industry Analysis and Technology Division, Wireline Competition
Bureau, at (202) 418-0940.
[SOURCE: FCC]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-81A1.doc
Copps Statement:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-81A2.doc
One month ago, the Commission embarked on its fourth Section 706 inquiry
into the reasonable and timely availability of advanced services, or
broadband, for all Americans. Today, we release a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking seeking comment about how to improve our broadband data
gathering program. I fully support both of these efforts. But our
approach here is backwards. Our statutory inquiry under Section 706 will
be complete before we improve our data collection. This is putting the
cart before the horse at a time when we cannot afford to be waylaid by
broadband data that tells less than the full deployment story.
Adelstein Statement:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-81A3.doc
I am disappointed...that any additional data that we collect through this
program will not be available in time for our current Section 706 inquiry
and the report on broadband deployment that we must issue this fall. With
this timing, we miss a golden opportunity to contribute to the public
dialogue over how best to speed broadband deployment. In the absence of a
more granular data collection, I hope that parties and this Commission will
cast our nets broadly as we investigate where companies have deployed
broadband and the choices available to consumers. Having a comprehensive,
reliable, and accurate understanding about the state of broadband
deployment is a critical step in our efforts to promote the availability of
broadband services to all Americans.

FCC ESTABLISHES NEW OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
The FCC has established an Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) in the
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB). IGA will be a liaison to
state, local, and tribal governments, and other federal regulatory
agencies. It will foster a better understanding of FCC programs, policies,
rules and decisions, facilitate a two-way exchange of information and
communications on telecommunications issues and promote cooperation and
coordination in areas of overlapping jurisdiction. In addition to ongoing
intergovernmental affairs outreach, IGA will be responsible for overseeing
the work and activities of the Commission's Intergovernmental Advisory
Committee, designing and implementing the Commission's Indian
Telecommunications Initiatives (ITI) and providing staff support to the
Federal/State Joint Conference on Advanced Telecommunications
Services. Previously, the intergovernmental affairs function had been
handled informally in the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau's front
office.
Sue McNeil, currently CGB's Special Counsel for Intergovernmental Affairs,
has been named to head the new office.
[SOURCE: FCC]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-246218A1.doc
--------------------------------------------------------------
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. Headlines are compiled by
Kevin Taglang (ktaglang( at )etpost.net) -- we welcome your comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------

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

BROADCASTING'S DIGITAL FUTURE
Update: FCC DTV Transition Plan
FCC Explores Rules for Digital Audio Broadcasting
Public Radio Moves Toward Digital Future

SPECTRUM, WHO WANTS SOME SPECTRUM?
FCC Rulemaking Proposing to Allow Wireless Broadband Operations
NTIA Report to Congress on Spectrum for 3G Wireless

COMPETITION
Telecoms Struggle with Impact of Internet Calls
Phone Firms Taking Steps on Access Issue

BROADBAND
Broadband for the Masses?

BROADCASTING'S DIGITAL FUTURE

UPDATE: FCC DTV TRANSITION PLAN
It's wonderful; it's terrible. It's the greatest thing since sliced bread;
it's a stale dinner roll. "It," of course, is the plan the FCC is working
on to speed the transition from analog to digital technology. Competing
lobbying groups offered their opinions Thursday after FCC Media Bureau
Chief Ken Ferree defended the plan on Wednesday. The cable industry thinks
the plan is worth considering. Robert Sachs, president of the National
Cable & Telecommunications Association, thinks the FCC should be commended
for creative thinking. There's some positives for cable operators. Rather
than carrying broadcasters in analog for years to come, cable systems might
quickly provide customers with digital set-top boxes capable of delivering
those pictures because going all-digital takes less channel capacity. Mr.
Sachs said "there is merit" to that prediction, but was not ready to commit
cable systems to the expense of giving customers digital converter boxes.
Meanwhile, at a nearby ranch, the National Association of Broadcasters has
an alternative plan: commercial broadcasters want cable carriage of the
multiple channels that digital technology allows and insist that only
viewers who get a complete digital signal count toward the 85% penetration
trigger for government reclamation of analog spectrum.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Bill McConnell]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA410836?display=Breaking+News
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA410851?display=Breaking+News
(requires subscription)

FCC EXPLORES RULES FOR DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING
The FCC took a step toward bringing digital radio services to American
consumers as part of the broader digital migration that is underway across
all media. Digital audio broadcasting ("DAB") technology offers the
possibility for enhanced sound quality, improved reception, and new
services such as datacasting, multiplexing and subscription services. In
today's Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making ("FNPRM"), comment is sought
on what rule changes and amendments are necessary due to the advent of
digital audio broadcasting. The FCC also today adopted a companion Notice
of Inquiry ("NOI") addressing other matters relevant to the discussion on
DAB. 1) Comment is sought on what changes and amendments to the FCC's
technical rules are necessary to further the introduction of
DAB. Specifically, comment is sought on proposals to allow AM nighttime
digital service. The FNPRM also asks questions concerning DAB's affect on
FM translators. Questions regarding interference are also raised for
comment. 2) Comment is sought on the types of digital services the FCC
should permit radio stations to offer. Specifically, should a radio station
be allowed to offer a high definition service, a multiplexed service, a
datacasting service, or a combination of all of these
possibilities? Comment is also sought on whether a radio station should be
permitted to offer subscription services. 3) Comment is sought on how the
FCC's existing public interest, programming, and operational rules should
be applied to DAB. 4) The FNPRM asks questions of concern to noncommercial
stations ("NCE") and low power FM ("LPFM") stations. Comment is sought on
the impact DAB will have on NCE and LPFM stations and how these services
may introduce DAB to the public. 5) Comment is sought on appropriate
policies the FCC may adopt to encourage broadcasters to convert from an
analog-only radio service to a hybrid analog/digital radio service, and
eventually, to an all-digital radio service. 6) Subjects raised for comment
in the Notice of Inquiry include digital audio content control and
international issues.
MB Docket No. 99-325 Comments due: June 16, 2004
[SOURCE: FCC]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-246150A1.pdf

PUBLIC RADIO MOVES TOWARD DIGITAL FUTURE
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) today announced that it will
award grants totaling more than $5 million to help 76 public radio
stations, including 25 serving rural and minority audiences, purchase the
equipment needed to transmit a digital signal. These funds are part of the
nearly $150 million in funding that Congress has provided to CPB over the
last four years to assist both public radio and public television stations
to convert from analog transmission to digital. Additional proposals for
the remainder of available fiscal year 2003 digital radio funds are being
reviewed, and these funding decisions will be announced next month. CPB
will earmark funding for fiscal year 2004 to assist more stations,
including those serving rural and minority markets, in making the digital
transition. Stations will be able to apply for another round of digital
funding this summer. Additional awards for public television to convert to
digital also will be announced this spring.
See a list of stations receiving support at the URL below.
[SOURCE: Corporation for Public Broadcasting]
http://www.cpb.org/programs/pr.php?prn=349

SPECTRUM, WHO WANTS SOME SPECTRUM?

FCC RULEMAKING PROPOSING TO ALLOW WIRELESS BROADBAND OPERATIONS
Seeking to facilitate the provision of broadband access to American
consumers, especially in rural areas, the FCC today initiated a proceeding
to foster the introduction of wireless broadband operations in the
3650-3700 MHz band ("3650 MHz band"). In response to requests by wireless
Internet service providers (WISPs), the FCC proposed to allow unlicensed
devices to operate in some or all of the 3650 MHz band with higher
power than currently authorized. The FCC also sought comment on options
that would allow for licensed operations in this band, or for segmenting
the band between licensed and unlicensed uses.
ET Docket Nos. 04-151, 02-380, and 98-237
[SOURCE: FCC]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-246146A1.pdf
See Also:
Wireless Broadband May Get More Spectrum
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Ben Charny]
http://news.com.com/2100-1034_3-5192390.html?tag=nefd.top

NTIA REPORT TO CONGRESS ON SPECTRUM FOR 3G WIRELESS
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an
agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch's
principal voice on domestic and international telecommunications and
information technology issues. In a report delivered to Congress the NTIA
is recommending three major actions be taken to make the deployment of 3G
wireless services optimally possible: 1) enactment of the President's
proposal to create a spectrum relocation fund; 2) completion of the FCC's
rules to identify spectrum for some Federal operations that must relocate;
and 3) an auction scheduled by the FCC.
For more, see the letter at the URL below.
[SOURCE: NTIA]
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/congress/2004/3Gletter_04152004.htm

COMPETITION

TELECOMS STRUGGLE WITH IMPACT OF INTERNET CALLS
S&P analyst Catherine Cosentino estimates that Baby Bells could lose
billions in revenues to VOIP and other competitors over the next few years,
and that VOIP may turn their franchise service into a commodity with a
declining price. The Baby Bells will "be hard pressed to maintain their
current 40 percent-plus margins, which have already declined from the 50
percent they had been able to maintain during much of the 1990s, when
competition, particularly in the consumer sector, was nascent," a recent
S&P research report reads. Goldman Sachs analyst Frank Governali said on
Wednesday that cable companies and other VOIP services could take 20
percent of local phone lines by 2013, but that the Baby Bells could offset
their revenue losses by pushing their own broadband and VOIP services,
along with business contracts and wireless growth.
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Justin Hyde]
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=AFF5ME2XSGMNICRBAEKS...

PHONE FIRMS TAKING STEPS ON ACCESS ISSUE
Federal regulations require the major local phone companies to open their
networks to rivals at rates set by state regulators. But the Baby Bells
have fought those rules in court, arguing that they are required to lease
out parts of their networks at money-losing rates. Competitors claim the
rates are fair and allow them to offer consumers choice in who offers them
phone service. After a federal court threw out the FCC's competition rules,
the Commission asked the companies to seek mediated agreements to avoid
having to appeal the lower court decision to the Supreme Court. The FCC set
a June 15 deadlines for these negotiations. Now Qwest, BellSouth and SBC
have all made moves to negotiate agreements with rivals.
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Christopher Stern]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15928-2004Apr15.html
(requires registration)
See Also: Comments on Qwest's Commercial Agreement With Covad Communications
Powell: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-246141A1.doc
Abernathy: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-246144A1.doc

BROADBAND

BROADBAND FOR THE MASSES
An interview with Jim Baller, a principal attorney for the Baller Herbst
Law Group which has fought cable operators and the Baby Bells on behalf of
local governments and utilities for the right to build and operate new
telecommunication networks. His clients include the American Public Power
Association, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and
Advisors, and individual local governments and public power utilities in
more than 35 states. Some municipalities and government-owned utilities are
building their own fiber-based or advanced wireless networks to bring
broadband services to rural areas. But cable and phone companies argue that
municipalities have an unfair advantage because they have access to tax
money to build and maintain these networks. They also argue that
municipalities are often the ones regulating and approving the construction
of such networks. Reardon writes that Mr. Baller "is considered one of the
most knowledgeable lawyers in this field." This long interview is worth a
spot in your weekend reading pile.
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Marguerite Reardon]
http://news.com.com/2008-1037-5190220.html?tag=nefd.acpro
--------------------------------------------------------------
...and we are outta here. Remember Turn Off TV Week
http://www.tvturnoff.org/ starts Monday!
--------------------------------------------------------------

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

TELEVISION
Ferree TV: FCC Bureau Chief Defends Plan
Public TV, Cox Announce Carriage Agreement
Channels a la Carte

QUICK HITS
Monitoring Software on Your PC: Spyware, Adware, and Other Software
Berners-Lee Wins First Millennium Technology Prize

TELEVISION

FERREE TV: FCC BUREAU CHIEF DEFENDS PLAN
Are the country's television station owners spectrum hogs? "They would=20
rather eat their children than give up that spectrum," FCC Media Bureau=20
Chief Ken Ferree told reporters Wednesday. He was defending the Commission=
=20
plan to advance the day when enough consumers get digital TV so as to meet=
=20
the government's long-standing trigger for reclaiming analog channels and=20
auctioning them to wireless companies and others. The FCC is working on a=20
proposal that would count cable and satellite subscribers as receiving=20
digital signals even if all they are getting is down-resolutioned digital=20
signals. "We'd love for people to get pretty pictures, but this part of=20
the transition is not really about that," Mr. Ferree said. "It=92s just=
about=20
trying to make sure sets work" after analog channels go away. The main=20
problem may be that 15% of American do not pay for cable or satellite TV=20
services. Advancing the analog shutoff date, these people will have to buy=
=20
digital TV sets or convertor boxes. For people too poor to pay for=20
converters, Congress should consider subsidizing the $50-$100 the devices=20
might cost, Chief Ferree said. If the plan is approved by the FCC=20
commissioners, broadcasters would have to choose by Oct. 11, 2008, either=20
the analog "down conversion" or full digital carriage option, the latter=20
which would deliver high definition to whatever number of cable customers=20
have digital sets by then. The National Association of Broadcasters has=20
expressed concern that the initiative is "simply a spectrum reclamation=20
plan that would strand both consumers and broadcasters who have=20
collectively spent billions embracing the best television technology on the=
=20
planet."
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Bill McConnell]
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA410640?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)
Multichannel News also covered the press event adding this quip from=20
Ferree: "They will hold on to this spectrum to their dying day, if they=
can."
Ferree: TV Has =91Death Grip=92 on Analog Spectrum
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA410685?display=3DBreaking+News
(requires subscription)
In addition, the proposal the Association of Public Television Stations=20
will not go far unless commercial broadcasters join in, say public safety=20
officials and the wireless industry. The industry also sees auction=20
revenues being directed to a public broadcasting trust fund as "too self=20
serving," preferring a spectrum relocation fund (speaking of self serving).
[SOURCE: Communications Daily, AUTHOR: Dinesh Kumar]
(Not available online)

PUBLIC TV, COX ANNOUNCE CARRIAGE AGREEMENT
PBS, a longtime leader in digital content and technology, Cox=20
Communications, one of the largest cable television operators in the=20
nation, and the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS), a=20
membership organization that represents public television stations across=20
the country, have entered into an agreement in principle that allows for=20
the digital signals of public television stations in Cox markets to be=20
carried on Cox=92s local digital cable service. PBS and APTS negotiated on=
=20
behalf of stations in Cox markets to ensure carriage of digital signals as=
=20
stations make the transition to digital broadcasting. As part of the=20
accord, Cox has agreed to carry stations=92 digital signals, including high=
=20
definition programming and noncommercial multicast programming. The=20
agreement provides for carriage of stations=92 digital signals through the=
=20
period of transition from analog to digital broadcasting. Under the=20
agreement in principle, 70 public television stations are eligible for=20
carriage on Cox cable systems. Public television also has national digital=
=20
carriage agreements with Time Warner Cable and Insight, as well as local=20
arrangements with Comcast. "I am very pleased that we have reached this=20
agreement with Cox and the millions of Americans they serve. Agreements=20
like this are a critical part of public television=92s commitment to=20
universal service in the digital age, and ensuring that all viewers =AD=20
cable, satellite and over-the-air =AD can have access to digital broadcasts=
=20
is an essential part of any strategy to complete the digital transition,"=20
said John Lawson, President and CEO of APTS.
For more information contact Jan McNamara, PBS, 703/739-5028,=
jmcnamara( at )pbs.org
[SOURCE: Association of Public Television Stations Press Release]
http://www.apts.org/

CHANNELS A LA CARTE
Paying only for channels you want to watch is not a good idea... at least=20
not to satellite dish owners. No, not those cute pizza-size dish owners --=
=20
the 10' ones the require poured concrete and a team of gerbils to move=20
them. Once over 2 million strong, big-dish owners now number less than=20
380,000. But they can pick and choose the channels they want without=20
worrying about a cable or satellite company's tier system. And this old=20
idea is getting new life as some in Congress believe a la carte pricing=20
should be the future of cable. So pull up a chair, son, and listen to tales=
=20
of bygone days when the family's satellite dish was bigger than a garage...=
=20
and how that shrinking business could inform the future of TV.
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Frank Ahrens]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13092-2004Apr14.html
(requires registration)

QUICK HITS

* The Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop, =93Monitoring=20
Software on Your PC: Spyware, Adware, and Other Software,=94 on April 19,=20
2004, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The workshop will explore issues=20
associated with the distribution and effects of software that is loaded on=
=20
personal computers without users=92 consent and that gathers and sends=20
information about users to third parties or that adversely affects the=20
computers=92 functioning.
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/02/spyware.htm

* World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee has one the first Millennium=20
Technology Prize from the Finnish Technology Award Foundation. Al Gore is=20
disputing the election. [SOURCE: Reuters]
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=3DSQWATKUSMMS1YCRBAE...
A?type=3DtechnologyNews&storyID=3D4833667&section=3Dnews=20

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