On September 21, 2015, the Broadband Opportunity Council released a report and recommendations on how Federal agencies can work to expand broadband deployment and adoption by addressing regulatory barriers and encouraging investment and training. The following may be attributed to Benton Foundation Director of Policy Amina Fazlullah:
Reverend Everett C. Parker, director of the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ from 1954 until 1983, died on September 17, 2015. Parker played a critical role in the development of public interest of American television. His leadership led to the development of an influential media reform and citizen action movement in broadcasting; and his activism directed at improved broadcast employment prospects for women and minorities. The following statement may be attributed to Benton Foundation Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss:
In comments filed at the Federal Communications Commission on August 31, the Benton Foundation said that broadband service is crucial to full participation in our society and economy which are increasingly dependent upon the rapid exchange of information. In its filing, Benton focuses on the potential benefits of broadband for low-income consumers, especially ones that have: a) schoolchildren, b) unemployed or underemployed adults, c) people with disabilities, and d) people affected by illnesses.
On August 6, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules aimed at protecting consumers through the transitions from legacy copper networks. The following may be attributed to Benton Foundation Policy Director Amina Fazlullah:
The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) Board of Directors named Charles Benton the recipient of NATOA's 2015 Community Broadband Visionary Award to recognize Benton's lifetime of extraordinary support and advocacy for the development and proliferation of local community broadband systems.
Groups release The Next Generation Connectivity Handbook: a guide for community leaders
On June 22, 2015, the Benton Foundation Board of Directors elected Leonard J. Schrager as the Foundation’s new chairman, succeeding founder Charles Benton who died earlier this year. Schrager has been a Benton Foundation trustee since its inception in 1981.
“I am honored that the Benton Foundation Board of Directors has selected me to oversee the legacy of my great friend, Charles Benton,” said Schrager. “I look forward to furthering Charles’ vision that media and telecommunications serve the public interest and enhance our democracy.”
On Thursday, June 18, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a new proceeding to reform and modernize its Lifeline program with a refocus on broadband. The following statement can be attributed to Amina Fazlullah, the Director of Policy of the Benton Foundation:
The Benton Foundation applauds the FCC's move today to modernize its Lifeline program. This is an important step to provide low-income Americans with meaningful access to robust broadband.
On June 11, 2015, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied a motion for stay filed by several broadband providers who oppose the Federal Communications Commission's Open Internet Order passed earlier this year. The following statement can be attributed to Benton Foundation Director of Policy Amina Fazlullah:
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