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).
Donna Gregg, the new FCC Media Bureau Chief, is a limelight-shunning, highly effective D.C. communications attorney, former colleagues said. Gregg, called a “lawyer’s lawyer” by many, has made a mark with advocacy efforts as a FCBA member. “She’s not a grandstander. She is not someone who confuses herself with the issues,” said Precursor Group analyst Rudy Baca, who worked at the FCC for 12 years. “She is not someone who jumps immediately to the commissioners,” Baca said.
The long-awaited Supreme Court ruling in the Brand X cable modem case could come today (Mon.), although many predict the court will take a few more weeks. Meanwhile, players are pondering legal strategies contingent on the outcome, ranging from appeals to the FCC for regulatory action to lobbying efforts to get new federal legislation adopted.