Calendar

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005

In late December 2005, the House and Senate agreed on legislation to speed the nation’s transition to digital television while helping consumers to continue to use their analog televisions, recover spectrum for use by public safety officials and improve emergency communications, and auction off additional spectrum to reduce the national deficit. As of January 2006, the legislation, a piece of a major budget bill, awaits final approval from the House which plans to reconvene just before February. A summary of the legislation follows.

LPFM: The People's Choice

"LPFM: The People's Choice" to air on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, January 8th at 7 am EST and 7 am PST.

Meeting: CPB Board of Directors

The CPB Board of Directors will meet Monday, January 9, 2006, at 11:00am in a special telephonic meeting.

In the global village, where is 'the public square'?

A presentation by David Liroff, VP and Chief Technology Officer of WGBH in Boston

Hearing: Decency

Senate Commerce Committee hearing on decency.

Hearing: Internet Pornography

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Internet Pornography

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

Hearing: Broadcast and Audio Flag

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Broadcast and Audio Flag

POSTPONED -- Hearing: Competition and Convergence

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Competition and Convergence

Antitrust in the Broadband Communications World after Trinko

This program will examine the likely role of antitrust law in the broadband communications world in the wake of Trinko and recent court of appeals decisions. It will also assess the impact that new technologies and the FCC’s broadband deregulatory initiatives may have on the role of antitrust law in communications markets. Participate in this program and get answers and guidance on the thorny issues that lawyers face when counseling their clients in this fast-changing business environment.

CPB Board of Directors Meeting

The CPB Board of Directors will meet Thursday, January 26, 2006, at 2:45

Panel Discussion: Protecting Public Air Waves

Public air space is just as important now as it has ever been.

CPB Board of Directors

The CPB Board of Directors will meet in open session Monday, January 30, 2006, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm, and on Tuesday, January 31, from 9:30 - 11:30 am.

Hearing: Video Content

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Video Content

Hearing -- Phone Records For Sale: Why Aren't Phone Records Safe From Pretexting?

Full Committee on Energy and Commerce
February 1, 2006
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
2:00 PM

The Telecommunications Act of 1996: Ten Years Later

The Columbia Institute for Tele-Information and the School of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University and the Federal Communications Bar Association present a one-day conference:
The Telecommunications Act of 1996: Ten Years Later

February 6, 2006
9:30am-5:30pm
George Washington University
Washington, DC

Hearing: Net Neutrality

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Net Neutrality

2nd Annual Internet Caucus State of the Net Conference

The Congressional Internet Caucus and its Advisory Committee are excited to announce the tentative agenda for the 2nd Annual State of the Net Conference on Wednesday, February 8 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. This full-day policy event will feature keynote addresses by prominent speakers and concurrent breakout sessions featuring experts on issues and covering various topics of concern. Panel discussions will also be populated with government agency staff to allow attendees to hear directly from the policymakers themselves, along with those that influence policy direction.

The Tenth Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996: A Tough Act to Follow?

AEI will host a conference examining the effect the Telecommunications Act has had on the industry and what lessons the existing law holds for those writing new legislation.

APT: 2006 Policy Forum & Susan G. Hadden Pioneer Awards

APT's 2006 Policy Forum & Susan G. Hadden Pioneer Awards
Tuning In to the New Age of Video: Ensuring the Benefits of Advanced Technology for All Americans

Friday, February 10, 2006

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

Let There Be Wi-Fi: Community Broadband and the Future of the Internet

A discussion on the importance of a universal, affordable broadband access for bridging the digital divide and helping to drive American economic competitiveness in the 21st century.

Friday, February 10, 2006
Program: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Light refreshments will be provided.
Admission is free.

Grassroots Media Coalition

The goals of the NYCGMC are to strengthen and unify the networks of local grassroots media makers to better serve the communities of New York City.

Hearing: State and Local Issues and Municipal Networks

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on State and Local Issues and Municipal Networks

RESCHEDULED -- Hearing: Video Franchising

The Senate Commerce Committee hearing on video franchising had been rescheduled for Thursday, February 15.

POSTPONED -- Hearing: FCC Activities and Policy

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Co-Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) have announced a Full Committee hearing on FCC Activities and Policy to be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at 10 a.m. in room 562 of the Dirksen Building.

Meeting on Public Accountability in Public Media

The meeting will aim to identify and articulate more public standards of accountability in public media.

S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act

The American Broadband for Communities Act of 2006 would free up spectrum not being used by broadcasters for unlicensed wireless devices which would provide communities with wireless broadband and home networking services.

S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 (Winn Act)

The Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 (WINN Act)aims to facilitate the development of wireless broadband Internet access by allocating certain areas within the broadcast spectrum known as white spaces that are otherwise unassigned or unused.

S.1583 Universal Service for the 21st Century Act

The bill aims to expand the contribution base for universal service and offers the first major legislative proposal to fund building high-speed Internet access (broadband) facilities in unserved areas.

S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 (NetUSA)

A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure the availability to all Americans of high-quality, advanced telecommunications and broadband services, technologies, and networks at just, reasonable, and affordable rates, and to establish a permanent mechanism to guarantee specific, sufficient, and predictable support for the preservation and advancement of universal service, and for other purposes.

CPB Board of Directors

The CPB Board of Directors will meet in special telephonic session Tuesday, February 21, 2006, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Improving Spectrum Management through Economic or Other Incentives

Improving Spectrum Management through Economic or Other Incentives

A Workshop sponsored by the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

National Academy of Sciences, Lecture Room,
2101 Constitution Ave., NW (Entrance at 2100 C St.), Washington, D.C.
February 28 - March 1, 2006

Hearing: USF Contributions

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on USF Contributions

Who Wants to Hear Our Story?

Who Wants to Hear Our Story?
Communications and Contemporary Native Americans - A Media Symposium
March 2-3, 2006 in Washington, DC
http://www.fcnl.org/nativeam/media_symp.htm

POSTPONED: Hearing: Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

This hearing has been postponed. A new date will be announced when available.

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

S.2360 Internet Non-Discrimination Act of 2006

The Internet Nondiscrimination Act of 2006 would ensure "net neutrality," or equal delivery of content on the Internet

NEW DATE: Hearing: USF Distributions

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on USF Distributions

Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks

The Federal Communications Commission’s Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 6, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University, 1230 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39204.

Politics Online Conference

The 2006 Politics Online Conference will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 7-8th at The George Washington University’s Marvin Center 800 21st Street N.W.,Washington, D.C.

Hearing: Rural Telecommunications

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Rural Telecommunications

Nomination Hearing: Robert M. McDowell for FCC

On Thursday, March 9, at 3:15 p.m. in room 562 of the Dirksen Buidling the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on pending nominations, including the nomination of Robert M. McDowell to be an FCC Commissioner.
http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1794

Hearing: Wireless Issues/Spectrum Reform

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Wireless Issues/Spectrum Reform

Hearing: Wall Street's Perspective on Telecommunications

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Wall Street's Perspective on Telecommunications

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

Changing Lives and Building Community: Nonprofit Technology in Action

Changing Lives and Building Community: Nonprofit Technology in Action

March 22-24

Seattle WA

FirstMile.US Spring 2006 Conference

FirstMile.US Spring 2006 Conference

The "White Space": What to Do with It

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is hosting a Congressional Seminar to examine the possible uses of spectrum currently used as a buffer for broadcast interference. The discussion panel will offer competing views from government, industry and policy representatives.

H. R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006

This bill, now H.R. 5252, would create of national cable franchises, provides the FCC with authority to ensure Net Neutrality, set rules for emergency 911 services on Internet telephone (VoIP) services and govern municipal broadband networks.

Bringing America Up to Speed

BRINGING AMERICA UP TO SPEED:
DELIVERING ON OUR BROADBAND FUTURE WITHOUT SACRIFICING LOCAL IDENTITY

Tuesday, March 28, 2006
9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Sponsored by
CommLaw Conspectus: Journal of Communications Law and Policy
The Institute for Communications Law Studies
Warren Communications News

The Catholic University of America
Columbus School of Law
3600 John McCormack Rd., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20064

Digital Content and Enabling Technology: Satisfying the 21st Century Consumer

Hearing on Digital Content and Enabling Technology: Satisfying the 21st Century Consumer
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection
March 29, 2006
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
1:00 PM

Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006

A Hearing to consider H.R. ____, a Committee Print on the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet
March 30, 2006
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
10:00 AM

How Will the BBC and PBS Transform Themselves in the Emerging Era of Online, On-Demand Media?

How Will the BBC and PBS Transform Themselves in the Emerging Era of Online, On-Demand Media?

Thursday, March 30th, 2006
12:30 - 2 p.m. (light refreshments will be provided)

Hearing: Competition and Convergence

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Co-Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) have scheduled a Full Committee hearing on Competition and Convergence on Thursday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m. in room 562 of the Dirksen Building. Witnesses will be announced when available.
http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1703

Town Meeting on the Future of Media

Federal Communications Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps will visit Norfolk, Va., on March 30 to listen to local citizens' concerns about media consolidation. This "Town Meeting on the Future of the Media" is a rare opportunity for the public to participate directly in crafting media policies that serve the public interest.

Second National Summit for Community Wireless Networks

"Imagine & Implement: The 2006 National Summit for Community Wireless
Networks" will focus on grassroots action; impacting national regulations and
policies; and building the coalition of community groups, researchers, policy
leaders, decision-makers, and activists working to create better broadband
services and telecommunications infrastructures.

Freedom to Connect Conference

F2C: Freedom to Connect, the Internet Freedom Conference

co-produced by: pulvermedia and Isen.com
Washington DC

April 3 & 4 2006

Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee Markup April 4-5

Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet
The Honorable Fred Upton, Chairman
April 4, 2006
5:00 PM
and
April 5, 2006
10:00 AM

Toward a New Communication Policy Paradigm

2006 Quello Communications Law and Policy Symposium (details to follow)

FCC's Consumer Advisory Committee

The FCC's Consumer Advisory Committee will meet at FCC headquarters.

The Corporate Governance Committee of the CPB Board of Directors

The Corporate Governance Committee of the CPB Board of Directors will meet in telephonic session Friday, April 7, 2006, from 3:00 - 5:30 pm ET.

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

FCC Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks

The Federal Communications Commission’s Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC.

FCC's Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age

The FCC's Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age will be holding a public meeting, which will be held by teleconference. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2006, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Network Neutrality: Innovation Competition and Nondiscriminatory Access

The House Telecom and Antitrust Task Force, chaired by Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.
(R-Wis) will hold an oversight hearing "Network Neutrality: Innovation,
Competition and Nondiscriminatory Access" on Tuesday April 25 at 2pm.

Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 Mark-up

House Commerce Committee mark-up of Chairman Barton's Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006.

CPB Board of Directors

The CPB Board of Directors will meet Monday, May 1, 2006, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, and on Tuesday, May 2, from 9:00 - 11:30 am.

S.2686 the Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006

The the Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 (S.2686) aims to reform existing communications laws to promote competition, cost savings for consumers, and the speedy deployment of broadband services to all Americans.

National Journal Telecom Policy Forum

Join National Journal's Technology Daily for a front-line discussion on the state of telecommunications policy.

Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Phoenix Park Hotel Ballroom
520 North Capitol Street, NW

8:30 am — 11:00 am
8:30 am - 9:00 am Continental Breakfast

Public Broadcasting Awareness Committee

Public Broadcasting Awareness Committee to Meet May 2, 2006

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

H.R._ the Network Neutrality Act of 2006

On May 2, Rep Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Network Neutrality Act of 2006, cosponsored by Rep. Rick Boucher, Rep. Anna Eshoo and Rep. Jay Inslee.

Digital Content and Enabling Technology: Satisfying the 21st Century Consumer

A hearing of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection
May 3, 2006
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
10:00 AM

Strengthening America’s Competitive Edge Through Investment in Advanced Technology Tools for Learning

“Serious Games”
Strengthening America’s Competitive Edge Through Investment in Advanced Technology Tools for Learning

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006
1 – 2:30 p.m.

CPB Board of Directors

The CPB Board of Directors will meet telephonically in a special public session Monday, May 8, 2006, at 11:00 am

Beyond Broadcast: Reinventing Public Media in a Participatory Culture

Beyond Broadcast: Reinventing Public Media in a Participatory Culture
An open convening at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School.

May 12-13 2006

Traditional public media - public broadcasting, cable access television, etc - face a unique opportunity to embrace new participatory web-based media models - podcasting, video blogs, social software, etc - and create a stronger and more vital public service.

FCC’s Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks

The FCC’s Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks will hold its next meeting on May 12, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the FCC’s Commission Meeting Room which is located at 445 12th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC.

S. 2686, Communications Reform Bill Hearing I

S. 2686, Communications Reform Bill Hearing I
Thursday, May 18 2006 - 10:00 AM - H-216
First of two hearings to review S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. Witnesses will be announced when available.

Hearing -- Reconsidering Our Communications Laws: Ensuring Competition and Innovation

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing on "Reconsidering Our Communications Laws: Ensuring Competition and Innovation" on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 226.

http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearing.cfm?id=1910

S. 2686, Communications Reform Bill Hearing II

S. 2686, Communications Reform Bill Hearing II
Thursday, May 25 2006 - 10:00 AM - D-106
Second of two hearings to review S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. Witnesses will be announced when available.

House Committee on the Judiciary Mark-up: Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006

The House Committee on the Judiciary will mark-up the Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006 Thursday May 25.

Tangled Web: Will the Internet be Free for the Press?

Tangled Web: Will the Internet be Free for the Press?

May 31, 2006
9:00 am

The National Press Club
First Amendment Lounge
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC

Featuring --

Matt Cooper, Time Magazine
Bob Dietz, Asia Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists
James Andrew Lewis, Director of the Technology and Public Policy Program at CSIS
Arch Puddington, Director of Research at Freedom House

Moderated by: Susan Bennett, the Newseum’s Director for International Exhibits

CPB Board of Directors

The CPB Board of Directors will meet in a special telephonic public session Thursday, June 1, 2006, at 3:30 pm.

Beyond Censorship: Policies and Technologies to Give Parents Control Over Children’s Media Consumption

Beyond Censorship: Policies and Technologies to Give Parents Control Over Children’s Media Consumption

Date/Time:
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
11 a.m - 2 p.m. (lunch will be served)

Location:
Kaiser Family Foundation
Barbara Jordan Conference Center
1330 G St., NW
Washington, DC 20005

Postponed: Markup: S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006

Postponed until June 20

Markup: S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006
Thursday, June 8 2006 - 10:00 AM - H-216
http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1874

FCC’s Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks

The FCC's Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks will hold its final meeting on June 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the FCC's Commission Meeting Room which is located at 445 12th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC. The Panel will consider and vote on a report that addresses the impact of Hurricane Katrina on communications infrastructure, including public safety communications, and includes recommendations for improving disaster preparedness, network reliability and communications among first responders.

S. 2686, Communications Reform Bill Hearing III

S. 2686, Communications Reform Bill Hearing III
Tuesday, June 13 2006
Thuird of three hearings to review S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. Witnesses will be announced when available.

Sharpening Our Competitive Edge Through Investment in Advanced Technology Tools for Learning

The New America Foundation invites you to a U.S. House of Representatives Innovation Week Briefing and interactive technology demonstration:

Sharpening Our Competitive Edge Through Investment in Advanced Technology Tools for Learning

Date/Time:
Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (refreshments will be served)

Location:
U.S. Capitol, Room HC-5
Washington, D.C.

Net Neutrality: What's at Stake - for the Internet, Politics and Consumers

The Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet presents

"NET NEUTRALITY: What's at Stake - for the Internet, Politics and Consumers"

Friday, June 16th, 2006

At the George Washington University's Jack Morton Auditorium

9:00 a.m. - Noon

Speakers:
Mike McCurry - Co-Chair, Hands off the Internet
Paul Misener - VP for Global Public Policy, Amazon

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

Hearing: Universal Service

Universal Service: What Are We Subsidizing and Why? Part 1: The High-Cost Fund
House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet
June 21, 2006
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
2:00 PM

Markup: S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006

Markup: S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006
Thursday, June 20 2006

Allied Media Conference

The Allied Media Conference 2006 will bring together some of the most
innovative and visionary culture producers, media workers, artists and
activists to probe these and other critical questions. Together, we will
share skills and ideas and build new networks for action and support. With
our tremendous collective skill, ingenuity, and vision, we can use media to
build new forms of popular power for the 21st century.

Full Committee Markup -- Communications Reform Bill

Full Committee Markup -- Communications Reform Bill
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
10:00 AM

SH - 216

The Senate Commerce Committee will reconvene to continue its consideration of the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at 10 a.m. in room 216 of the Hart Building.

Wireless Communications Association Annual Convention

WCA 2006 will be held in Washington, DC at the Omni Shoreham Hotel from June 27-30.

Town Meeting on the Future of Media in Asheville

Federal Communications Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps will visit Asheville, N.C., on June 28 to listen to local citizens’ concerns about media consolidation. This “Town Meeting on the Future of the Media” is a rare opportunity for the public to participate directly in crafting media policies that serve their community.

Democracy & Independence: Sharing News & Politics in a Connected World

Democracy & Independence: Sharing News & Politics in a Connected World

June 29-July 1, 2006 at University of Massachusetts Amherst

MMTC Access to Capital and Telecom Policy Conference

The Minority Media and Telecom Council's 4th annual Access to Capital and Telecom Policy Conference will be held July 10-11 in Washington, DC.

FCC Open Meeting

FCC will hold a Commission Meeting at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 9:30 am.

Preemption of State Wireless Regulation: Where Do Consumers Fit In?

Preemption of State Wireless Regulation: Where Do Consumers Fit In?
Thursday, July 13th
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Alliance for Public Technology
919 Eighteenth Street, NW
10th Floor Conference Room