Create your Benton.org account today. Registration is quick and easy. Creating an account gives you access to special features, click to learn more.
Federal Communications Commission
Public Invited to Review FCC Strategic Plan
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 25, 2008 - 7:42amThe Federal Communications Commission announced that the public is welcome to review and comment on a draft of its revised Strategic Plan for 2009-2014. The revised draft Strategic Plan is a "work in progress" that is complete enough to allow review and comment on the strategic direction the Commission intends to follow in the coming years.
FCC Denies AP FOIA Request
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 19, 2008 - 9:55amJohn Dunbar, an Associated Press reporter, requested from the Federal Communications Commission a copy of its Second Report and Order regarding the service rules for the 700 megahertz auction as approved by the FCC on July 31, 2007, prior to editorial revisions.
Do-Not-Call List Extended
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 17, 2008 - 9:50pmThe Federal Communications Commission has amended its rules to require telemarketers to honor registrations with the National Do-Not-Call Registry indefinitely. The previous rules provided that registrations would expire after five years.
Michael Copps at the Broadband Policy Summit
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 13, 2008 - 7:23amThe question for us is: does America at the beginning of the 21st century become technologically stagnant or the leader of the Digital Age? For me, the answer to that question depends in some significant measure upon whether we succeed in bringing high-speed, high-value broadband and an open Internet to all Americans.
FCC Revises Broadband Data Collection Order
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 13, 2008 - 7:23amThe Federal Communications Commission released a Report and Order, adopted in March, meant to expand and improve broadband data collection. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said, "The Commission is finally launching an effort to collect more granular data on broadband deployment in this country."
Telephone Numbering System and E-911 Requirements for IP-Based TRS
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 13, 2008 - 7:17amThe Federal Communications Commission took important steps toward providing Americans with hearing and speech disabilities with access to the telephone network that is "functionally equivalent" to voice telephone services. The Order adopts a system for assigning traditional ten-digit telephone numbers to Internet-based TRS users.
Adelstein Outlines an Agenda to protect America's Children
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 8:22amOn Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission member Jonathan Adelstein discussed elements of an agenda to empower families and protect children in the digital age of television. Entitled “Stuck in the Mud: Time to Move on an Agenda to Protect America’s Children,” the speech highlighted concrete steps the Commission, Congress and the industry should take to enhance the viewing experience for families and children on TV and also on the Internet and other platforms.
Acknowledging that the FCC has failed to develop and implement a sustained agenda to protect children since issuing the report on violence and children, Commissioner Adelstein said that “many parents feel like they are losing control, and they’re frustrated by a seemingly relentless march of coarse material that is too violent, too sexual, too unhealthy or too commercial for their children.” To address these concerns, Commissioner Adelstein proposed that the Commission, in partnership with industry and public interest stakeholders, take the following steps: 1) Examine Existence and Availability of Advanced Blocking Technology; 2) Develop National Media Literacy Campaign; 3) Update and Clarify TV Ratings and Content Labels; 4) Rate Entertainment Programming, Promotions and Commercials; 5) Unified Ratings System; 6) Promote Third-Party Ratings Systems; 7) Launch an Investigation of Embedded Advertising in Children’s Programming; and 8) Address Interactive Advertisement Targeting Children.
Statistics of Communications Common Carriers
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 7:55amStop flipping through the index of "What Happened" and pick up another great summer read... The Commission has released its Statistics of Common Carriers Report! The five-part report contains general information on the telecommunications industry structure, financial and operating data related to telecom carriers, data on international communications, historical financial and operating statistics, and data on industry trends.
Consumer Advisory Committee Meeting June 27
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 8, 2008 - 7:57pmThe Federal Communications Commission's Consumer Advisory Committee will next meet Friday June 27. The Committee will continue its consideration of DTV transition issues. The Committee will also consider recommendations regarding broadband/universal service, relay services and the provision of auditory access to televised programming containing emergency information.
FCC's June 12 Agenda
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 6, 2008 - 9:43amThe Federal Communications Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Early Termination Fees, WT Docket No. 05-194 and related issues, on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Room TW-C305, at 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.
