William Triplett

The House Commerce Committee oversees the Federal Communications Commission and also handles telecom policy at large. While newly-elected Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) has not been active on these issues in his previous job he is known to be tight with Rep Howard Berman (D-CA), another showbiz ally, particularly on intellectual property issues.

A harshly critical documentary about Hillary Rodham Clinton will be at the center of a Supreme Court challenge of campaign finance laws next year.

The two-year historic presidential race was very, very good for the news business, particularly the all-news cablers. Viewership spiked, stars were made and news operations were given frequent opportunities to shine with substantive material.

Whether Barack Obama or John McCain wins the presidency next week, the Washington-Hollywood social nexus is likely to change. An Obama presidency would do the most to alter the landscape of DC's social scene and the way that industry figures carry out their favorite causes.

Showbiz is bracing for the arrival of a new sheriff in Washington. Because no matter what happens next week on Election Day, one thing is certain: Current Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is out the door.

Once again, television networks are looking to Election Night with some apprehension, trying to avoid a repeat of the past two presidential cycles when initial exit polls suggested victories for John Kerry and Al Gore.

Internet radio operators expressed cautious optimism regarding congressional approval of a deal designed to help them survive a recent steep hike in royalty rates. "This legislation is not the final answer, but it is an essential step toward a lasting and much-needed solution," said SaveNetRadio spokesman Jake Ward in a statement Wednesday, referring to Senate approval of the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008.

Congress has passed a major intellectual property rights bill strongly supported by showbiz after one of two controversial provisions was removed. The full Senate passed on Friday the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008, which increases federal resources for enforcing existing copyright laws and attempts to better facilitate US IP policy.

The most recent Nielsen ratings showed that politics -- and nearly wall-to-wall coverage of it -- have been very good for CNN and MSNBC. And as the country heads toward a historic election in an increasingly charged atmosphere, the cablers' good fortunes will likely continue.

Despite an appeals court ruling to the contrary, the Bush administration maintains that the Federal Communications Commission has adequately justified its new policy of leveling indecency fines on broadcasters for so-called fleeting expletives.