Universal Service: Schools and Libraries
FCC: Workshop on Schools and Libraries Application Forms
Telephone Regulation: Pay Phones
WSJ: FCC Revises Rates Companies Must pay On Access-Code
TelecomAM: N.Y. PSC Says Bell Atlantic's Payphone Rate
Stays at 25 cents Until 2002
Internet
WSJ: Copyright Imbroglio Entangles a Work That Web Gave Away
NYT: NBC Expands the TV Model Of Local Affiliates To The Web
NYT: Committees Move Internet One Step Closer To Tax Freedom
NYT: New-Media Pamphleteers Revisit The Roots of the First Amendment
Journalism
WP: On MSNBC,. Sleaze To Please?
WP: CNN Ends Ban On Global Warming Ads
WSJ: CNN Shifts Stance On Advocacy Ads About U.N. Proposal
FCC
TelecomAM: Commissioners Say Good-bye, Little Else, At Open Meeting
FCC: FCC Seeks Comments on Public Safety Communications
FCC: Consumer Information Home Page
Mergers: WorldCom
WSJ: WorldCom's MCI Bid Gets Longer Period For Objections to Deal
TelecomAM: Director's Meeting: MCI Board to Discuss Worldcom Bid Today
Arts
NYT: Italy's Barbed Political Jester, Dario Fo, Wins Nobel Prize
NYT: From Science to Fiction, Military and
Entertainment Industries Swap Expertise
** Universal Service: Schools and Libraries **
Title: Workshop on Schools and Libraries Application Forms
Source: FCC
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/1997/da972152.html
Issue: Universal Service
Description: Under the Commission's rules, eligible schools and libraries
that request universal service support will be required to complete
application forms.(7) The Common Carrier Bureau and the Schools and
Libraries Corporation will hold a public workshop in order to seek input on
the form and content of the applications, as well as to provide guidance on
how to complete them and to answer questions from the public. The purpose of
this workshop is to discuss the draft applications. For purposes of
discussion, we will provide draft applications; we emphasize that these
drafts should not be used to apply for universal service funding. The
workshop will be held on Friday, October 10, 1997 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
in the Commission Meeting Room, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 856, Washington,
D.C. 20554. Interested parties may attend the workshop. The workshop also
will be recorded on video, and copies of the videotape will be available in
the Commission's Reference Room, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 239, Washington,
D.C. 20554. For further information about this workshop, contact Astrid
Carlson at (202) 418-7369. [For draft forms see
http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html#470. For more on universal service
provisions for schools and libraries
http://www.benton.org/Updates/summary.html#snl or
http://www.fcc.gov/learnnet]
** Telephone Regulation: Pay Phones **
Title: FCC Revises Rates Companies Must pay On Access-Code
Source: Wall Street Journal
http://wsj.com/ (A4)
Author: Staff Reporter
Issue: Telephone Regulation
Description: The Federal Communications Commission has ordered long distance
companies to reimburse pay phone operators $0.284 for every 800 number or
"dial-around" call placed from a pay phone. An industry analyst said that
the ruling should help pay phone companies -- mostly the Baby Bells -- "get
to the level of profitability that they haven't seen in decades." AT&T
argued that the rate should be much lower.
Title: N.Y. PSC Says Bell Atlantic's Payphone Rate Stays at 25 cents Until 2002
Source: Telecom A.M .--Oct. 10, 1997
http://tpgweb( at )cappubs.com
Issue: Telephone Regulation
Description: Despite the FCC's order to end state regulation of local
payphone rates, N.Y.'s Public Servivce Commission has advised consumers that
the coin rates of all the payphones owned by Bell Atlantic New York will
remain at 25 cents until 2002. Meanwhile, the American Public Comm. Council
attacked MCI's claim that payphone deregulation would be a disaster for
consumers. MCI said that payphone providers efforts to win choice locations
would result in rates as much as $1.50 per call. APCC President Vincent
Sandusky said the deregulation will be a "good thing" by eliminating
subsidies and encouraging payphone owners to offer better features.
** Internet **
Title: Copyright Imbroglio Entangles a Work That Web Gave Away
Source: Wall Street Journal
http://wsj.com/ (B1)
Author: Thomas Petzinger
Issue: Intellectual Property/Copyright
Description: "The Front Lines" column focuses on the case of Dr. Abraham
Maslow's 1965 book "Eupsychian Management," the work that introduced the
phrases "synergy" and "enlightened management." The book was out of print
and Dr. Maslow's daughter (Ann Kaplan) acquired the publisher's copyright in
hopes of selling the work for republication. Petzinger had celebrated the
book in this same column a few months ago, so prospects seemed good. But in
1987, Sam Canon received permission from the publisher to make the entire
text available on a local bulletin board network. After getting a legal
opinion that it would be OK, Mr. Cannon transferred the work to the World
Wide Web. But Ms. Kaplan asked and then sued Mr. Cannon to remove it from
the Web. Experts believe that posting entire books on the Web actually
*improves* sales, but Ms Kaplan's suit included statutory damages that could
reach $100,000. In a compromise, Ms. Kaplan dropped the suit in exchange for
Mr. Cannon's promise that he destroy all electronic copies of the book in
his control. Ironically, the new publisher of the book may make it available
online -- to help increase sales.
Title: NBC Expands the TV Model Of Local Affiliates To The Web
Source: New York Times, CyberTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/week/101097nbc.html
Author: Lisa Napoli
Issue: Television/Internet
Description: On Wednesday, NBC executives announced the release of their
"Interactive Neighborhood," "a station centered approach at providing
Internet content." This concept, which is the first of its kind, is designed
to work in conjunction with local NBC affiliates to provide the public with
local and national information about different neighborhoods in the United
States. Other major networks are following suit with CBS planning to unveil
a similar venture in January and ABC with an online operation in the works.
You can access NBC's new site at http://home.nbcin.com/nbcin/home/index.html.
Title: Committees Move Internet One Step Closer To Tax Freedom
Source: New York Times, CyberTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/week/101097taxfreedom.html
Author: Jeri Clausing
Issue: Internet Regulation/Electronic Commerce
Description: "Three months after President Clinton called for a tax-free
Internet, Congress on Thursday began moving on bills that would impose a
six-year moratorium on local and state taxes targeting the burgeoning global
network." In order to foster continued Internet growth, supporters of the
bill, HR 1054, believe that tax exemption is needed. With over a dozen
states already imposing tolls on Internet commerce, it is feared that many
cities and states will begin to impose varying taxes on Internet
transactions. As stated by W.G. "Billy" Tauzin (R-LA), chairman of the
Commerce subcommittee, "HR 1054 is an attempt to provide a time-out before
states and localities impose their tax structures on the Internet and
Internet users. During this period, states, localities and the federal
government would work in partnership with Internet service providers and
retailers to develop a sound, fair and just taxing mechanism. In the
meanwhile, the bill adequately provides exemptions from its federal
moratorium to ensure that states and localities will not be prevented from
imposing some taxes in certain circumstances." In opposition, a number of
state and local groups, like the National Conference of State Legislatures,
the National Governors Association and the National League of Cities, view
the measure as an intrusion on their taxing authority.
Title: New-Media Pamphleteers Revisit The Roots of the First Amendment
Source: New York Times, CyberTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/nation/101097nation.html
Author: Jason Chervokas and Tom Watson
Issue: Old vs New Media/First Amendment
Description: The First Amendment, drafted during a time of vitriolic
pamphleteering, is being applied to a medium that our fore-fathers
never considered - the World Wide Web. Across the Web there are a few
national, but mostly local, "news" sites popping up. These community news
sites are providing the public with an alternative voice to get their
message and opinions into the public eye. However, on these sites, many
opinions are cited as fact which raises concern over what may be interpreted
by the non-critical reader. "It certainly bothers us, especially when these
extremists can take an objective, legitimate news story and carve it into
whatever form suits their conspiracy-theory-du-jour approach," said Barry
Locher, managing editor of The State Journal-Register, a newspaper published
in Springfield, IL. "It is certainly a violation of copyright as well as a
violation of ethics. But then, I doubt very much if any of these Web
publishers struggle a great deal with questions of journalistic ethics on a
regular basis." When Sherwood Shantz, a web-publisher of news from his
Washington community, was asked whether he considers himself to be a
journalist or a partisan he replied, "As to being a partisan, that would
depend on in what form it is meant. If you mean, do I believe in what I am
doing, and is it right? Yes. Am I a journalist? No. Have I joined the
ranks of journalists? If I have to be able to spell that word to get in, I
would flunk an entrance exam."
** Journalism **
Title: On MSNBC,. Sleaze To Please?
Source: Washington Post (D1)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/10/10/
Author: Howard Kurtz
Issue: Television
Description: Much of the TV business is buzzing about the changes at MSNBC,
the show called "The News With Brian Williams" now possessing an
unmistakably tabloid feel with coverage of Princess Diana or Marv Albert on
night after night, along with all manner of violent crime. Insiders
attribute this to ratings pressures."I'm not entirely comfortable with what
passes for news these days," Williams admits. The new emphasis may reflect a
shift at the 15-month-old venture by Microsoft and NBC, whose ratings have
been disappointing. Its "Internight" show was billed as substantive talk,
but often deals with most of today's sensationalistic news stories like
Diana, Marv, and Paula Jones. "There's always ratings pressure," said Mark
Harrington, MSNBC's GM. "You want to get people to watch what you do. We're
losing money here. It's a start-up operation."
Title: CNN Ends Ban On Global Warming Ads
Source: Washington Post (D2)
http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/10/10/
Author: Howard Kurtz
Issue: Journalism/Advertising
Description: CNN lifted its ban on global warming ads yesterday after
intense criticism. The network reversed the decision they made only last
week. They had canceled an ad campaign by an industry alliance. The decision
assailed a proposed U.N. treaty that would restrict fuel emissions. But, now
CNN spokesman Steve Haworth said, "We have reevaluated our position and
changed it." He said the network would resume airing the spots by the
Global Climate Information Project if the group can substantiate them.
Title: CNN Shifts Stance On Advocacy Ads About U.N. Proposal
Source: Wall Street Journal
http://wsj.com/ (B8)
Author: Sally Goll Beatty
Issue: Journalism/Advertising
Description: In another reversal, the Cable News Network will accept
advocacy ads about the United Nations' global climate-control treaty. CNN is
responding to pressure (including a full-page ad in the WSJ claiming
censorship) after it decided to refuse ads produced and paid for by the
Global Climate Information Project which has criticized the treaty. [Global
warming? they ask. Ever spent a summer in San Francisco?]
** FCC **
Title: Commissioners Say Good-bye, Little Else, At Open Meeting
Source: Telecom A.M.--Oct. 10, 1997
http://www.tpgweb( at )cappubs.com
Issue: FCC
Description: The open meeting the FCC held yesterday saw the departures
of Commissioners Rachel Chong, James Quello, and Chairman Reed Hundt. Hundt,
like the others, only praised his colleagues, including Susan Ness, who will
be the senior commissioner with the incoming freshman. The future plans of
all three are not known. The FCC also adopted an order on reconsideration
modifying its May 7 rules on access charge reform, which reduces the amount
of prescribed interexchange carrier charge assessed on Centrex lines so that
Centrex users will be assessed PICCs in amounts roughly equal to
similar-sized PBX users. [Decipher that news and win the Weekly Wonk prize].
The open meeting also included a Notice of Rulemaking on the wireless
spectrum for emergency services.
Title: FCC Seeks Comments on Public Safety Communications
Source: FCC
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/News_Releases/1997/nrwl7043.html
Issue: Regulation
Description: "The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking designed to
address the Nation's public safety communications needs into the next
century. The Notice makes a range of proposals and seeks comment on a number
of issues relating to public safety communications and priority access to
wireless communications networks in emergencies."
Title: FCC Consumer Information Home Page
Source: FCC
http://www.fcc.gov/Consumers/
Issue: FCC
Description: The FCC Consumer Information Page offers information on various
consumer-related topics. You can reach the Public Service Division by
e-mail, psd( at )fcc.gov, or by phone at 202-418-0190, TTY-888-835-5322.
** Mergers **
Title: WorldCom's MCI Bid Gets Longer Period For Objections to Deal
Source: Wall Street Journal
http://wsj.com/
Author: Staff Reporter
Issue: Mergers
Description: We can't leave you without one last WorldCom story...
The Federal Communications Commission has extended the deadline for
objections to the unusual structure that which WorldCom plans to acquire
MCI. The deadline had been 12 pm today, but MCI's board isn't meeting 'til
today. The FCC established a timetable for objections that will continue
until three days after the WorldCom exchange offer commences. The offer is
expected in 30 days.
Title: Director's Meeting: MCI Board to Discuss Worldcom Bid Today
Source: Telecom A.M.--Oct. 10, 1997
http://www.tpgweb( at )cappubs.com/
Issue: Mergers
Description: Directors of MCI are to meet today to consider Worldcom's
$30 billion takeover bid. There are signs that they may be leaning towards
opening discussions that could lead to a merger. BT, with their initial $24
million bid, has said that they won't comment before MCI's response. MCI is
also considering the new place of strength in Internet communications that
the merger could produce in the form of "voice traffic" migrating to the
'Net. Worldcom has also projected first-year savings of $2.5 billion if the
merger happens, and $5 billion by the fifth. Meanwhile, shares in U.S.
telecom companies most likely to follow Worldcom's example of
merger/acquisition continue to rise, like AT&T and GTE.
** Arts **
Title: Italy's Barbed Political Jester, Dario Fo, Wins Nobel Prize
Source: New York Times, A1, A10
http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/news/arts/nobel-literature.html
Author: Celestine Bohlen
Issue: Arts
Description: Dario Fo, the Italian playwright-performer known for his
subversive satire, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature yesterday.
This prize to Mr. Fo is among the most controversial and unexpected in the
97 year history of the award drawing guarded amazement from Italy's literary
establishment and outright dismay from the Vatican. In its announcement,
the Swedish Academy likened Fo to the "'jesters of the Middle Ages' who rely
on wit, irreverence and even slapstick humor to poke fun at authority while
'upholding the dignity of the downtrodden'. With a blend of laughter and
gravity, he opens our eyes to abuses and injustices in society and also the
wider historical perspective in which they can be placed. Fo is an
extremely serious satirist with a multifaceted oeuvre."
Title: From Science to Fiction, Military and Entertainment Industries Swap
Expertise
Source: New York Times, C1
http://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/week/101097sfx.html
Author: Andrew Pollack
Issue: (That's) Entertainment
Description: Rocket Scientists are heading to the movies in more than one
way. Outside of catching an occasional weekend flick, a few of NASA's
engineers are trading in their lab keys for work in the digital
entertainment domain. With the sharp cut-backs in military spending, some
aerospace companies and engineers are now applying their expertise to
developing special effects for movies, theme park rides, casinos and
shopping centers. "The National Research Council issued a report last month
saying that the entertainment and defense industries share many technologies
related to computer models and simulation and could benefit from greater
cooperation." While there may be similarities between these two industries,
there are still stark differences - especially in the corporate culture.
"Even though the technology may be the same, the way the technology is used
is so different," said Eric Haseltine, who used to work for Hughes
Electronic and now heads projects developing virtual reality attractions at
Disney. "One is about storytelling and emotion, and the other is about
killing people." [Which usually end the story and the emotion right there].
It appears that the Pentagon may also be climbing on board
as they look to the entertainment industry for low-cost technology and
wonder whether military simulators can be based on similar casino
attractions. [When asked his opinion, top gun pilot Tom Cruise...]
*********
Swooooosh! We're outta here. See ya Monday.