Press Release

The Federal Communications Commission voted to advance its quadrennial regulatory review of its broadcast ownership rules. Through the action, the FCC seeks comment on whether and how the media ownership rules serve the public interest in light of emerging technologies and constantly changing media marketplace conditions.

The Federal Communications Commission took action for removal of an additional 29,181 words, 69 pages, and 386 rules and requirements from the books that have been identified as obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary, some of which had implemented now-defunct policies from the breakup of Ma Bell in 1984. This marks the latest action in the Commission’s “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete” docket, which seeks public input on identifying FCC rules for the purpose of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens.

The Colorado Broadband Office is excited to announce that it will soon open the Advance Colorado Broadband Mini Grant Program for unobligated funds from both the Capital Projects Fund and State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. CBO expects to publish more details on or around October 3, 2025, and will host a webinar providing information on the program, the associated map and the timeline.

Comcast announced that Michael J. Cavanagh has been named Co-Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective January 2026. He will serve with Brian L. Roberts, who will continue as Chairman and Co-CEO. Cavanagh will also be named to the Comcast Board of Directors at that time. Cavanagh joined Comcast in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer and currently serves as President. He previously spent more than two decades in financial services, including as Co-CEO of JPMorgan Chase’s Corporate & Investment Bank, one of the largest global financial institutions.

The California Public Utilities Commission has set significant new requirements to improve the quality of phone service for Californians, especially in emergencies. At its Sept. 18 Voting Meeting, the CPUC approved new service quality standards that will help to ensure that Californians receive reliable telecommunication services. The Decision also extends minimum service quality standards to fixed interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol providers for the first time.

Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) announced the completion of a nearly $2 million infrastructure project to bring high-speed internet access to residents and business owners of Smith Island. The project is a critical part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to ensure all of Maryland—no matter how remote the location—has affordable and equitable access to high-speed internet. “Leave No One Behind is more than a motto—it’s a governing philosophy,” said Gov. Moore.

The Federal Communications Commission demanded a total of $1.18 million be repaid to American taxpayers by Boomerang Wireless and Assist Wireless for overpayment of reimbursement claims they made and received for connected devices provided to consumers as part of COVID-era connectivity programs. The companies had sought reimbursement of as much as $100 per tablet for devices that were widely available for half that price. The companies have 30 days to pay the full amount to the U.S. Treasury.

The Illinois Office of Broadband released the Connect Illinois Round 4 Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program Final Proposal on September 23. The public comment period is open through September 29, 2025, at 5 pm CT. Comments can be submitted via this form.

I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation. More importantly, I want to thank those Americans from across the ideological spectrum who spoke loudly and courageously against this blatant attempt to silence free speech. It will continue to be up to us as citizens to push back against this Administration’s growing campaign of censorship and control. As this FCC considers steps that would let the same billion-dollar media conglomerates that caved in to government pressure grow even bigger, we must combat these efforts to stifle free expression.

Rep Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09)  introduced the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2025 to provide greater levels of transparency and accountability for the ways in which companies use AI systems in the decision making processes of high-impact areas, including in housing, employment, credit, education and others. The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2025 addresses the growing threat of automated decision systems by: