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Wall Street Journal
Product Placements Get FCC Scrutiny
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 23, 2008 - 8:10amFederal regulators are beginning an effort to crack down on stealth advertising in television shows, a move aimed at letting consumers know when companies have paid to use their products as props.
Obama's Telecom Policies Suggest Open-Internet Push
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 22, 2008 - 3:33pmSen Barack Obama (D-IL) is seen as likely to push for key changes in telecommunications policies that would expand Internet businesses if he's elected US president. He supports Network Neutrality legislation which prevents Internet providers from interfering with Web content based on its source or ownership.
FCC Allows Sprint To Remain Temporarily On Safety Airwaves
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 20, 2008 - 7:51amThe Federal Communications Commission on Thursday granted Sprint Nextel's request to continue operating temporarily on airwaves designated for firefighters and police officers. Sprint has been ordered to relocate to different channels in order to stop interference with communications among public safety agencies.
Russert Took Media Bias Seriously
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 18, 2008 - 7:51amWhile colleagues loved and admired NBC's Tim Russert, did they understand him? What made Tim Russert different, and better, was his willingness to listen to -- and take seriously -- criticism about his own profession.
Cable Plan Faces Bumpy Road
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 18, 2008 - 7:50amCable-television operators, who have long sought a way to do away with the set-top box, say they have found a way to make that dream a reality. Even so, a number of hurdles still have yet to be worked out.
XM-Sirius and Five Angry Men
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 17, 2008 - 9:51pmA look at the leanings of the five Federal Communications Commission members who will decide on the merger of XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.
News Outlets Face Increasing Scrutiny in Campaign
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 13, 2008 - 7:22amTelevision news organizations, facing unprecedented scrutiny, have often expressed contrition for poorly chosen words during this election season. In a campaign that includes the first viable African-American presidential candidate, the lines of appropriate speech have become fuzzy.
Senator Brownback Seeks Letter on XM-Sirius Deal
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 8:16amThe proposed merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio Holdings is getting more static from Washington. Sen Sam Brownback (R-KS) sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee this week asking for an unredacted copy of a May 27 letter to the Federal Communications Commission from a group of subscribers who oppose the merger.
Hollywood Studios Seek Control Over Delivering Movies to Homes
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 8:15amHoping to persuade federal regulators to close a piracy loophole, Hollywood studios are dangling the prospect of allowing consumers to watch newly released movies at home. In exchange, the studios want new rights to block video from being sent over the cables that many consumers currently use to connect their televisions to their cable boxes.
FCC Chairman Presses Free Web, Spectrum Link
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 11, 2008 - 8:47amFederal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said he remains committed to selling a block of airwaves with conditions that the winner offer free Internet. "I think if someone was willing to make that kind of a commitment...that's a significant public-interest benefit that I think the commission should take into account," Chairman Martin said Tuesday at a hearing before the House Telecommunications Subcommittee.
