Tex. Gov. Rick Perry (R), reversing his ground, will allow final approval of video franchising rules that had been delayed, sources at the state capitol said late Tues. (CD Aug 17 p1). Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who signed the bill Tues., had previously signaled they'd block any bill, including video franchising, until education initiatives were passed (CD July 21 p2). With time running out on the Tex. legislature’s 2nd special session, Dewhurst and Perry decided against opposing the bill, we're told. Meanwhile, one of the next battleground states for such legislation may be N.J., where lawmakers are expected to return to the capitol later this year.
FCC’s media ownership rulemaking will include discussions on “virtually every issue,” FCC. Comr. Abernathy said. Speaking Tues. at the Minority Media & Telecom Council (MMTC), Abernathy said the further notice of proposed rulemaking on media ownership rules would include comment on related issues, such as the rules’ impact on indecency, children’s programming, violent programming and on minority and women’s ownership.
Consumer groups plan to hold a news conference today (Thurs.) after the FCC takes action on media ownership rules at its agenda meeting. Andrew Schwartzman, pres. of Media Access Project, Chellie Pingree, pres. of Common Cause, and Tim Winter, exec. dir. of Parents TV Council, are among those scheduled at the session. The FCC may issue a further notice of proposed rulemaking on media ownership rules remanded by the 3rd U.S. Appeals Court, Philadelphia (CD July 8 p9).
Little seems to be known about potential Supreme Court nominees’ stances on communications and Internet issues. All deemed generally conservative, most touted as prime candidates for Supreme Court seats have minimal track records on telecom, broadcasting and Internet issues, in rulings from the bench or in private work.
Little seems to be known about potential Supreme Court nominees’ stances on communications and Internet issues. All deemed generally conservative, most touted as prime candidates for Supreme Court seats have minimal track records on telecom, broadcasting and Internet issues, in rulings from the bench or in private work.
The FCC wants further comment on media ownership rules to address a federal court ruling that thwarted the Commission’s relaxation of media limits, FCC sources said. At its July 14 meeting, the FCC is expected to issue a further notice of proposed rulemaking on media ownership rules remanded by the 3rd U.S. Appeals Court, Philadelphia, sources said.
The Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling in the Brand X case, backing an FCC decision to treat cable broadband as an information service and not a telecom service. The 6-3 ruling in FCC v. Brand X is a major boost for cable operators. “We've won,” said cable consultant Steve Effros. “The law is evolving with regard to the delivery of data services, but it is clearly evolving toward a deregulatory stance.”
The Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling in the Brand X case, backing an FCC decision to treat cable broadband as an information service and not a telecom service. The 6-3 ruling in FCC v. Brand X is a major boost for cable operators. “We've won,” said cable consultant Steve Effros. “The law is evolving with regard to the delivery of data services, but it is clearly evolving toward a deregulatory stance.”
The U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear broadcaster arguments to appeal a 3rd U.S. Appeals Circuit, Philadelphia, order remanding FCC media ownership regulations for agency review. “I'm now looking forward to working with all my colleagues as we reevaluate our media ownership rules consistent with the 3rd Circuit’s guidance and our statutory obligations,” said FCC Chmn. Martin.
Comcast and Time Warner’s proposed $17.6 billion purchase of most of Adelphia’s cable systems is meeting opposition from some communities, media activists and at least one rival. Concern over the buyers’ potential to stifle competition for local programming such as sports comes as the FCC seeks comment on the deal by July 5 (CD June 6 p11).