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RETRANSMISSION CONSENT REFORM: NOT SO FAST
[SOURCE: tvnewsday, AUTHOR: Marianne Paskowski]
Given that it represents cable operators and programmers, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association had always taken a neutral position on retransmission consent. But no more. After two of its smaller cable members, Mediacom Communications and SuddenLink, found themselves battling with TV station groups over retrans fees -- and losing -- NCTA decided it was time to step in, something nobody in cable expected to occur. In this Q&A, NCTA President Kyle McSlarrow explains why he's seeking retrans reform on Capitol Hill, while conceding that it will not be quick or easy. In the meantime, he also says, cable and broadcasters can work together on common interests -- ensuring a smooth digital transition and heading off effort to regulate TV violence.
http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2007/06/12/daily.3/

SOME ANALOG-ONLY TV VIEWERS MAY LOSE STEREO SOUND
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
According to Les Tyler, president of audio tech licensing firm THAT Corp., most of the digital-to-analog TV converter box manufacturers he has talked to plan to produce boxes to the minimum standard required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the government agency overseeing the converter-box program. Those minimum standards do not require the boxes to pass through the stereo sound of most of today's analog sets. To keep it from being a subsidy to high-end users boxes with DVR functions, picture-in-picture capability, and other bells and whistles will not qualify, but Tyler argues that being able to hear those 'bells and whistles' in stereo sound should be part of the TV experience. He said that after the transition millions of viewers could have their sound downgraded, and they must be made aware of that possibility. Tyler offered a few solutions. One, NTIA should require the boxes to identify whether or not they are stereo. Two, and a better option, is the boxes could be converted to stereo for about 40 cents apiece. The second option is better for his organization, which licenses integrated circuit technology like the one needed for stereo. But he also says he has a rooting interest since he was part of a the group that helped come up with the TV stereo standard back in the early 1980's.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6450881.html

CANDIDATE BROADBAND FORUM
[SOURCE: Wireless Communications Association International]
A new website comparing all announced U.S. 2008 Presidential candidates on their broadband communications policies was announced in conjunction with WCA’s annual convention. “Because the applications for broadband are at the forefront of domestic policy debates,” commented WCA President Andrew Kreig, “WCA sees an enormous educational opportunity in assembling the most relevant news and opinion on these hot topics, and providing the option to comment. Participation is invited from our high-tech industry, the media, the campaigns and voters.” He continued: "Broadband is creating unprecedented productivity gains in such vital sectors as education, health care and prevention, border patrol, civil preparedness, military defense and first responder capabilities by police, fire and emergency workers ­ as well as community economic development in such disparate regions as inner-cities and rural America. These applications and their delivery timetables in the U.S. and abroad are central for the WCA 2007 roster of 140+ speakers ­ and also for each of the U.S. Presidential candidates, in varying degrees. So, WCA this week launches an authoritative web portal about the latest developments. Our plan is to keep it timely, non-partisan and otherwise fair, and to implement over time the same kind of cutting-edge, interactive multimedia that the broadband industry increasingly provides in other respects. We recognize challenges in these goals. We also recognize that website’s value is best realized if the focus includes the full array of broadband technologies and platforms."
http://www.wcai.com/taskforce/politics/index.php

TIME TO REFOCUS THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND
[SOURCE: The Digital Edge Blog, AUTHOR: John Mahoney john@thedigitaledgeblog.com]
[Commentary] There should be only one goal for the Universal Service Fund: universal Internet connectivity. Every other goal of the program will spring naturally from that. Money should be spent to deploy technologies like WiMax that can cost effectively address data connectivity needs in demographically sparse areas. After the initial build out, it’s possible that the fund could be scaled back to focus on a more narrow, tactical mandate, or eliminated all together as an open IP based infrastructure drives costs down and competition up. Hopefully, this would end up leaving the folks in urban areas clamoring for the same benefits their rural brethren would be enjoying through their open infrastructure. If it did, it could help us reach the tipping point that topples the antiquated gatekeeper/monopoly based telecommunications infrastructure we have today, and replace it with an IP based one that is open and competitive. One we can build a 21st century society on. Getting us to that point should be the real goal of “Universal Service."
http://www.thedigitaledgeblog.com/2007/06/11/time-to-refocus-the-univers...