BENTON'S COMMUNICATIONS-RELATED HEADLINES for WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017
Today's Event -- Is Tech Reporting Pessimistic About Tech?, ITIF -- https://www.benton.org/node/253549
OPEN GOVERNMENT
Ajit Pai is making the FCC more transparent — but only when it suits him
Joshua New: Why is federal government data disappearing? [links to Hill, The]
FCC REFORM
Possible FCC Shift Could Wipe Out $100 Million AT&T Fine
COMMUNICATIONS & DEMOCRACY
A Dangerous Time for the Press and the Presidency - The Atlantic op-ed
How President Trump is challenging the media to redefine its role
Pence says he and Trump support 'free and independent press'
Trump attempts a reset with a rally, new staff and a renewed fight with the media [links to Benton summary]
Sen McCain on shutting down press: That's how dictators get started [links to Benton summary]
Sen Graham (R-SC): Free press and independent judiciary are worth fighting for [links to Hill, The]
Rep Nadler (D-NY): Calling press the enemy is 'totalitarian tool of dictators' [links to Hill, The]
In Trump’s Volleys, Echoes of Alex Jones’s Conspiracy Theories [links to New York Times]
Chris Cillizza: Media, under attack from Trump, needs to return to the fundamentals [links to Washington Post]
Chris Cillizza: The free press had the Worst Week in Washington. Bigly. [links to Washington Post]
Chris Cillizza: Donald Trump helped reinvent cable TV [links to Washington Post]
Kathleen Parker -- Trump v. the media: A failure to communicate [links to Washington Post]
Trump has 3,643 websites [links to CNN]
Bill O’Reilly Says We Don’t Have A Free Press Because It’s Too Liberal [links to Huffington Post]
How Trump’s obsession with the media endangers his presidency — and all of us - WaPo analysis [links to Benton summary]
Trump: Media trying to justify 'large scale immigration in Sweden' [links to Hill, The]
Retreat from town hall: Reporters pursue access as some GOP officials pull back [links to Columbia Journalism Review]
Left finds new online tools to fight Trump [links to Benton summary]
FEC commissioner’s departure sets up test of how Trump will approach money in politics
INTERNET/BROADBAND
Here’s how to defend network neutrality
How Tech Policies May Evolve Under Republicans and Trump
Brookings Podcast: On Trump's Approach to Broadband Policy [links to Brookings]
SECURITY/PRIVACY
Tech, advocacy groups slam DHS call to demand foreign travelers' passwords
Sen Wyden asks DHS to explain border demands for cellphone, Internet passwords [links to Benton summary]
Orin Kerr: The police can’t just share the contents of a seized iPhone with other agencies, court rules [links to Washington Post]
ACCESSIBILITY
Disability Advisory Committee Announcement Of Date, Time And Agenda Of Next Meeting - public notice [links to Benton summary]
WIRELESS/SPECTRUM
The Incentive Auction Task Force and the Media Bureau Announce a Workshop on Post-Auction Procedures [links to Federal Communications Commission]
CBO Scores Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things Act - research [links to Benton summary]
OWNERSHIP
Yahoo salvages Verizon deal by giving Verizon a $350-million discount [links to Benton summary]
Why Verizon Decided to Stick With Yahoo Deal After Big Data Breaches [links to Wall Street Journal]
The Sad Way Trump’s War with CNN Could Keep Cable Cheaper [links to Benton summary]
JOURNALISM
Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart News [links to Politico]
The Mark Zuckerberg Manifesto Is a Blueprint for Destroying Journalism [links to Benton summary]
COPYRIGHT
AEI: A sound framework for Copyright-Office modernization legislation [links to American Enterprise Institute]
DIVERSITY
A New Report Takes on the Tech Industry's Diversity Problem [links to Free Press]
Tech Still Doesn't Take Discrimination Seriously [links to Wired]
How Tech Campuses Hinder Diversity and Help Gentrification [links to Wired]
Uber allegations a stark reminder of sexism in tech [links to CNN]
More Women Were Protagonists in 2016 Movies [links to New York Times]
POLICYMAKERS
Why Supreme Court Nominee Judge Gorsuch is a regulatory skeptic - Brookings analysis
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OPEN GOVERNMENT
PAI IS MAKING FCC MORE TRANSPARENT -- WHEN IT SUITS HIM
[SOURCE: The Verge, AUTHOR: Jacob Kastrenakes]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has had a whirlwind first month, taking immediate action to scale back network neutrality, slow broadband subsidies for low-income households, and block efforts to reform the exorbitant calling rates to prisons. But in the background of all of this, Chairman Pai has also made a series of changes at the commission in the name of transparency. He’s explored publishing FCC orders a month before they're voted on, alongside a one-page summary (instead of close to one month after they’re voted on); limited the extent to which the commission can edit orders after a vote; and given commissioners more oversight of enforcement actions (fines, mostly) that punish companies for violating FCC rules These appear to be positive developments for the public. We get more insight into what the FCC is up to, and more assurance that the commission won't try to meaningfully alter orders at the last second. Politicians and former FCC insiders seem to agree, to a point. But many also express concerns that the changes could backfire, by working in lobbyists’ favor, slowing down the commission, or putting its rulings in a legally precarious position. Some also questioned how committed Chairman Pai was to transparency, pointing out that he’s been less than forthcoming about the commission’s most controversial actions.
benton.org/headlines/ajit-pai-making-fcc-more-transparent-only-when-it-suits-him | Verge, The
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FCC REFORM
FCC ENFORCEMENT
[SOURCE: Bloomberg, AUTHOR: Lydia Beyoud]
The Federal Communications Commission’s record-breaking $100 million proposed fine against AT&T may soon be relegated to the dustbin. The blockbuster fine, which the commission’s Enforcement Bureau proposed in 2015 for the company’s wireless network management practices, could be an early casualty of new Chairman Ajit Pai’s intent to shake up the agency. He appears particularly eager to make his mark on the Enforcement Bureau. Changes to the FCC’s enforcement procedures and focus could be among the actions with the most impact on both consumers and the telecommunications industry, including companies such as AT&T. Among the possible changes: a requirement that the commission wrap up enforcement cases within a year of announcing proposed fines. Chairman Pai is considering ideas for speeding up the FCC’s enforcement process, and a one-year limit “is certainly one idea that is on the table,” said agency spokesman Will Wiquist. “If a company has violated the Commission’s rules, the FCC shouldn’t be waiting years before imposing a financial penalty.” Such a move could lead to the commission simply dropping its case against AT&T.
benton.org/headlines/possible-fcc-shift-could-wipe-out-100-million-att-fine | Bloomberg
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COMMUNICATIONS & DEMOCRACY
A DANGEROUS TIME FOR THE PRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY
[SOURCE: The Atlantic, AUTHOR: Jon Finer]
[Commentary] The relationship between the government and the press should be adversarial, as their missions are often at odds. As those seeking to downplay the current confrontation have rightly pointed out, this has resulted in a power struggle between that is as old as the Republic itself. But Trump’s relationship with the media represents something new and potentially dangerous to both. He is the first President to publicly question the place of the media in American society itself And his branding of the press as an "enemy" seems less an attempt to influence coverage than an invitation to repression and even violence. The level of antipathy or collegiality between the government and the press has always moved in cycles of confrontation and detente.
First, his assault on the press seems calculated not to influence coverage, but to destroy the credibility of the media so he can usurp the its traditional role as the arbiter of facts on which policy decisions are based.
Second, Trump chose a phrase ("enemies of the people") replete with ominous historical resonance in other societies as a prelude to violence.
Third, while every one of our previous Presidents may have criticized particular reporters...they never publicly questioned the press as an institution.
[Jon Finer was Chief of Staff to Secretary of State John Kerry and Director of Policy Planning at the State Department]
benton.org/headlines/dangerous-time-press-and-presidency | Atlantic, The
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TRUMP AND THE MEDIA
[SOURCE: Christian Science Monitor, AUTHOR: Linda Feldmann]
How the media work through this challenge will affect not only how this insurgent presidency is portrayed, but also how the American public sees the role of the press – as a biased meddler or an essential pillar of American democracy. Reporters are tackling Trump’s hostility head on. Some are trying to soften him up. “Just for the record, we don't hate you. I don't hate you,” said CNN’s Jim Acosta, embroiled in a longstanding feud told President Trump. Others are standing by their journalistic brethren with the hashtag #NotTheEnemy, highlighting the important work reporters do in holding officials accountable, bringing injustice to light, and covering wars, at times losing their life. Linguist George Lakoff appreciates journalists’ effort to defend themselves, but says they’re going about it in the wrong way. By putting the word “enemy” in the hashtag, they’re reinforcing the very concept that Trump is promoting – and thus, they are unwittingly helping Trump make his point. It’s all about the “frame” – the way a subject is characterized, writes Professor Lakoff of the University of California, Berkeley, on his blog. “Avoid the language of the attacker,” he writes, “because it evokes their frame and helps make their case.”
benton.org/headlines/how-president-trump-challenging-media-redefine-its-role | Christian Science Monitor
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PENCE SAYS HE AND TRUMP SUPPORT FREE AND INDEPENDENT PRESS
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Rebecca Savransky]
Vice President Mike Pence said both he and President Trump support a "free and independent press.” "But you can anticipate that the president and all of us will continue to call out the media when they play fast and loose with the facts," Vice President Pence said. "The truth is that we have in President Trump someone who has a unique ability to speak directly to the American people, and when the media gets it wrong, I promise you, President Trump will take his case straight to the American people to set the record straight.”
benton.org/headlines/pence-says-he-and-trump-support-free-and-independent-press | Hill, The
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FEC COMMISSIONER DEPARTURE
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Matea Gold]
Ann Ravel, one of the three Democratic appointees on the deeply divided Federal Election Commission, announced that she will leave her post March 1, setting up one of the first tests of how President Trump will approach campaign finance regulation. The opening at the FEC provides Trump with an opportunity to demonstrate the tack he plans to take toward the growing reach of the wealthy in politics. There was a surge of massive donations by the super-rich in the 2016 presidential race, with just 10 mega-donor individuals and couples contributing nearly 20 percent of the $1.1 billion raised by super PACs by the end of August, according to a Washington Post analysis. Trump made denouncing big donors a centerpiece of his presidential bid, lambasting the role of super PACs and promising to “drain the swamp.”
benton.org/headlines/fec-commissioners-departure-sets-test-how-trump-will-approach-money-politics | Washington Post
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INTERNET/BROADBAND
HOW TO DEFEND NETWORK NEUTRALITY
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Troy Wolverton]
Network neutrality is under threat, but you can do something to defend it. Activists working on the issue have numerous suggestions. But they all boil down to this: Make your voice heard. Hard as it may be to believe sometimes, policymakers do actually listen to the public. “The short answer is to raise hell,” said Craig Aaron, CEO of Free Press. That’s how net neutrality was saved before. Millions of everyday citizens made their voices heard, and the FCC responded. So how exactly can you make your voice heard? Here’s what the advocates recommend.
Call or send a snail mail letter to your senators and congressional representative.
Call and leave a message for Chairman Pai.
Sign a petition.
Sign up for alerts.
Join and donate to an advocacy group.
Encourage others to get involved.
Be prepared to send in comments.
benton.org/headlines/heres-how-defend-network-neutrality | San Jose Mercury News
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HOW TECH POLICIES MAY EVOLVE UNDER REPUBLICANS AND TRUMP
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Cecilia Kang]
A Q&A with Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD). With Republicans now in power across the government, Congress has moved aggressively toward undoing Obama-era tech policies. Network neutrality, the rule that ensures equal access to all websites, and broadband privacy rules are the first targets. Lawmakers also hope to play a bigger role than in the last administration on policies of particular concern to Silicon Valley and internet users, including driverless cars and the scaling back of Federal Communications Commission powers concerning broadband providers. Asked, "How do you want to change net neutrality rules?" Chairman Thune responded, "We’re open for business. We think a legislative solution is the best alternative and that the FCC under Chairman Tom Wheeler went too far with regulations that were overreaching and basically classified the internet as a public utility under a 1934 statute. Congress needs to be heard from, or you will have a constant back-and-forth on this issue depending on which party is in the White House."
benton.org/headlines/how-tech-policies-may-evolve-under-republicans-and-trump | New York Times
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SECURITY/PRIVACY
TECH, ADVOCACY GROUPS SLAM DHS
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Ali Breland]
Technology advocacy groups and trade associations representing companies such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft criticized a suggestion from the head of the Department of Homeland Security that foreign nationals should provide social media passwords to enter the US. “This proposal would enable border officials to invade people’s privacy by examining years of private emails, texts, and messages,” the groups wrote in a letter. "It would expose travelers and everyone in their social networks, including potentially millions of US citizens, to excessive, unjustified scrutiny.” The letter rejecting collecting non-citizen’s social media passwords was prompted by Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly’s comments during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing. The letter’s signatories included trade groups such as the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and the Internet Association. Google, Facebook and Amazon belong to both groups. Other signatories included the American Library Association, Internews and Access Now.
benton.org/headlines/tech-advocacy-groups-slam-dhs-call-demand-foreign-travelers-passwords | Hill, The | read the letter
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POLICYMAKERS
WHY GORSUCH IS A REGULATORY SKEPTIC
[SOURCE: Brookings, AUTHOR: Stuart Brotman]
One unreported item regarding President Trump’s nominee for the US Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch of the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, is that he would bring more private practice exposure to telecommunications law to the court than anyone in history. Judge Gorsuch spent a decade at one of DC’s premier law firms, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel PLLC. According to Vault, a reference source that profiles leading law firms, Kellogg Huber Hansen has “a particular depth of experience in the telecommunications industry, representing companies like Verizon and AT&T in both court litigation and dealings with the FCC.” This environment, which Gorsuch experienced daily as a practitioner, likely helped shape his view regarding the power of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal agencies involved in regulatory decisionmaking. At least as far as judicial review of FCC and other agency matters, Gorsuch clearly represents a philosophy that is more skeptical of regulatory overreach and more deferential to Congress. This may send a mixed message for political conservatives who are supporting his nomination—less regulatory intrusion, but perhaps a more activist judiciary. For political liberals, Judge Gorsuch’s assertion of a more powerful role for courts might inspire greater confidence that he would check executive authority by the Trump administration and its successors during what may be his very long tenure on the Supreme Court.
benton.org/headlines/why-supreme-court-nominee-judge-gorsuch-regulatory-skeptic | Brookings
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