Save Access

from: FCC

Commissioner Copps Dissent on FCC Video Franchise Ruling

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER
MICHAEL J. COPPS, DISSENTING

Re: Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, Second Report and Order (Oct. 31, 2007).

Note: Finally - someone that sees both sides of today's events in Washington. Thanks Harold for seeing the darker side of this FCC Halloween!

from: Media Access Project

MAP Reacts to FCC Cable Franchising Decision

October 31, 2007

Media Access Project Senior Vice President Harold Feld issued the following statement in response to the FCC’s actions on cable franchising and exclusive contracts.

from: Washington Times

Protesters in Costume at FCC Hearing

“We just think everyone should get one [radio station] before some get two.” Pete Tridish, Prometheus Radio Project

October 31, 2007
By Kara Rowland

It was Halloween outside the Federal Communications Commission today as protestors, many clad in costumes, demonstrated outside the agency’s D.C. headquarters to decry media consolidation.

from: The Nation

No Treats for FCC Chair and Media Monopolists

John Nichols Wed Oct 31, 2:03 PM ET

The Nation -- Federal Communications Commission chair Kevin Martin is
doing everything he can to prevent public input that would challenge his
rush to have the commission radically rewrite media ownership rules

From: NATOA

For Immediate Release: Contact: Steve Traylor

October 31, 2007 Phone: 703-519-8035

FCC Hands Cable Treats - Costs Local Governments $3.2 Billion

From: Free Press

October 31, 2007

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jen Howard, Free Press, (202) 265-1490, x22

Public Urges the FCC to Listen to Broad Outcry against Big Media
Protesters turn out at Halloween rally to stop FCC Chairman's rush toward a new wave of media consolidation

WASHINGTON -- More than 150 citizens crowded the sidewalks outside Federal Communications Commission headquarters in a Halloween-morning rally against media consolidation.

From: Broadcasting and Cable

FCC Gets Earful on Media Ownership
Testimony from Across the Industry Urges Federal Communications Commission Action vs. Consolidation

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/31/2007 12:24:00 PM

The Federal Communications Commission got an earful on the effects of media consolidation on broadcast localism at a public hearing Wednesday, including from its two Democratic commissioners.

from: CNN Money

FCC Extends Video Franchise Reform To Cable Companies
Dow Jones
October 31, 2007: 10:46 AM EST

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The Federal Communications Commission Wednesday extended reforms to cable companies related to the process of winning franchises from local governments that it had granted to phone companies earlier in the year.

from: The Capital Times

Smoke and mirrors?

As cable deregulation picks up steam in the Legislature, critics say AT&T has a long track record of broken promises

Judith Davidoff — 10/31/2007 10:05 am

It was the early 1990s, the nascent days of the Internet, and Vice President Al Gore was talking everywhere about an "information superhighway" that would link homes, businesses and medical centers with fiber optic cables capable of high speed data transmission.

Note: Absurd. At&T was given immense giveaways in the state franchise - in granting tax credits, Gov. Blunt is merely paying back the campaign donations he received from AT&T with tax-payer dollars. Meanwhile, PEG enters are closing down in parts of Missouri . . .

from: Branson Agent