Congressional proposal to allow one company to control TV reaching 50% of US audience (current limit is 35%) [bad, IMO] and allow satellite companies to broadcast local channels [good, competition for cable]. Also, change FCC authority -- which could affect Net Regulation. Will be Net be regulated as "mass media"? >From BENTON: DRAFT BILL WOULD RAISE CAPS, LOWER FCC PROFILE Issue: Broadcast and Cable Regulation Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ.) is floating a draft bill that would allow broadcast networks to own many more TV stations and would allow satellite companies to carry local broadcast signals. The TV ownership cap would rise from 35% to 50% of the national viewing audience, a policy change for which networks are fighting hard but which network affiliates are not supporting. The draft bill would allow satellite broadcasters to import distant network signals to households unable to receive over-the-air TV until January 1, 2002. At that time satellite TV companies would have to carry all broadcasters' local signals. Representatives of the satellite TV industry oppose phasing out the distant network signal business. Local broadcasters want Congress to ensure that DBS providers will carry all their signals as soon as they are technically able. The bill would also reduce the power of the Federal Communications Commission over broadcasters by requiring a "supermajority" of four out of five votes to approve new broadcast regulation. It would repeal the FCC's ability to approve mass media mergers and give that authority wholly to the Justice Department. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission would receive the FCC's jurisdiction over EEO rules for broadcasters. Broadcast lobbyists say Congress is unlikely to agree to such drastic limitations on the FCC's powers. [SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p. 3), AUTHOR: Paige Albiniak] <http://www.broadcastingcable.com/> Kathy > Kathy E. Gill > DCAC/MRM Methods Communication -- pager 425.568.0195 > Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our >potential. ~ Liane Cardes > Microsoft Exchange: the perfect name for its users' greatest desire! > ____________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Join The NEW Web Consultants Association FORUMS and CHAT: Register Today at: http://just4u.com/forums/ Web Consultants Web Site : http://just4u.com/webconsultants Give the Gift of Life This Year... Just4U Stop Smoking Support forum - helping smokers for over three years-tell a friend: http://just4u.com/forums/ To get 500 Banner Ads for FREE go to http://www.linkbuddies.com/start.go?id=111261 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
