The FCC will vote on April 25 on whether to reinstate net neutrality rules, which would prohibit Comcast, AT&T and other internet providers from blocking or throttling internet traffic or creating paid fast lanes to reach consumers.
With Democrats now holding a 3-2 majority on the commission, the proposal is expected to pass.
The most controversial aspect of the proposal, as it has been in the past, is to reinstate the FCC’s Title II authority over internet service. That regulatory maneuver, vigorously opposed by major internet providers, gives the agency a firm legal footing to oversee broadband services. The Title II classification deems that internet providers as common carriers, similar to the regulatory classification given to landline phone service. The proposal would not allow the FCC to regulate rates, an FCC official said.
In a statement, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “After the prior administration abdicated authority over broadband services,...
With Democrats now holding a 3-2 majority on the commission, the proposal is expected to pass.
The most controversial aspect of the proposal, as it has been in the past, is to reinstate the FCC’s Title II authority over internet service. That regulatory maneuver, vigorously opposed by major internet providers, gives the agency a firm legal footing to oversee broadband services. The Title II classification deems that internet providers as common carriers, similar to the regulatory classification given to landline phone service. The proposal would not allow the FCC to regulate rates, an FCC official said.
In a statement, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “After the prior administration abdicated authority over broadband services,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Former President Donald Trump’s attacks on the media are central to his image, but he’s once again calling on the federal government to take action against NBCUniversal for its MSNBC criticism of him.
In a late night post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump complained that MSNBC “uses Free government approved airwaves, and yet it is nothing but a 24 hour hit job” on him and “the Republican party for the purposes of Election Interference.”
He also attacked Brian Roberts, the CEO of NBCU parent Comcast, as a “slimeball who has been able to get away from these constant attacks for years.”
“It’s the world’s biggest political contribution to the Radical Left Democrats who, by the way, are destroying our Country. Our so-called ‘government’ should come down hard on them and make them pay for their illegal political activity. Much more to come, watch!”
A...
In a late night post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump complained that MSNBC “uses Free government approved airwaves, and yet it is nothing but a 24 hour hit job” on him and “the Republican party for the purposes of Election Interference.”
He also attacked Brian Roberts, the CEO of NBCU parent Comcast, as a “slimeball who has been able to get away from these constant attacks for years.”
“It’s the world’s biggest political contribution to the Radical Left Democrats who, by the way, are destroying our Country. Our so-called ‘government’ should come down hard on them and make them pay for their illegal political activity. Much more to come, watch!”
A...
- 11/29/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In early 2018, the American national security apparatus was fixated on reports that North Korea was building nuclear weapons that could reach the U.S. or that Russia was plotting chemical weapons assassinations in Europe. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was busy targeting his idea of an enemy of the state: late night host Jimmy Kimmel.
The then-president, according to two former Trump administration officials, was so upset by Kimmel’s comedic jabs that he directed his White House staff to call up one of Disney’s top executives in Washington, D.
The then-president, according to two former Trump administration officials, was so upset by Kimmel’s comedic jabs that he directed his White House staff to call up one of Disney’s top executives in Washington, D.
- 2/26/2023
- by Asawin Suebsaeng and Adam Rawnsley
- Rollingstone.com
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said she hopes the outcome of today’s elections will help break the longstanding 2-2 tie on the regulatory commission, but she also defended the body’s deadlocked body’s record during her leadership.
“We’ve turned the noise down, and turned up the number of things we’re getting done,” she said, alluding to the commission’s profile under her predecessor as chair, Ajit Pai. At the behest of former President Donald Trump, Pai spearheaded a series of dramatic rollbacks of longstanding media rules when the five-member commission tilted 3-2 in favor of the Republicans. Despite Joe Biden’s defeat of Trump, Pai then stepped down and Democrats’ nominee, Gigi Sohn, has seen her prospects stymied by Congress. The former FCC staffer and progressive activist has never received a full hearing in the Senate despite the usual dynamic of the commission leaning toward the party of the president.
“We’ve turned the noise down, and turned up the number of things we’re getting done,” she said, alluding to the commission’s profile under her predecessor as chair, Ajit Pai. At the behest of former President Donald Trump, Pai spearheaded a series of dramatic rollbacks of longstanding media rules when the five-member commission tilted 3-2 in favor of the Republicans. Despite Joe Biden’s defeat of Trump, Pai then stepped down and Democrats’ nominee, Gigi Sohn, has seen her prospects stymied by Congress. The former FCC staffer and progressive activist has never received a full hearing in the Senate despite the usual dynamic of the commission leaning toward the party of the president.
- 11/8/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
WarnerMedia has been owned by telco giant AT&T for less than four years and it will soon have a new parent company — likely by the end of next month.
Discovery’s shareholder vote on the acquisition of WarnerMedia is set for today during a special meeting of stockholders at 10 a.m. Et. The deal is expected to get an easy thumbs-up given the approval already bestowed by Discovery’s oldest and most influential holders, investor John Malone and Advance/Newhouse Co. Both agreed to convert long-held preferred shares into common shares in order to smooth the path for the spinoff combination.
As Discovery conducts a mostly ceremonial poll of shareholders, AT&T is signaling the start of a new chapter. The telco giant will conduct a virtual investor conference at the exact same time as the vote to unveil its post-spinoff strategy. The push into entertainment was initiated by the...
Discovery’s shareholder vote on the acquisition of WarnerMedia is set for today during a special meeting of stockholders at 10 a.m. Et. The deal is expected to get an easy thumbs-up given the approval already bestowed by Discovery’s oldest and most influential holders, investor John Malone and Advance/Newhouse Co. Both agreed to convert long-held preferred shares into common shares in order to smooth the path for the spinoff combination.
As Discovery conducts a mostly ceremonial poll of shareholders, AT&T is signaling the start of a new chapter. The telco giant will conduct a virtual investor conference at the exact same time as the vote to unveil its post-spinoff strategy. The push into entertainment was initiated by the...
- 3/11/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
As some Republicans are lining up against one of President Joe Biden’s FCC nominees, Gigi Sohn, she has gained an unexpected ally: the president of One America News Network.
Charles Herring issued a statement on Wednesday endorsing Sohn’s confirmation, writing that “as an executive of an independent, family owned business of two national networks, One America News Network and Awe, I’ve found myself advocating for more open markets in an environment that is arguably a quasi monopoly. I’ve fought in the trenches side-by-side with Gigi Sohn for a number of years on multiple issues. I’m fully aware of Gigi’s personal views, yet I’m even more knowledgeable on her strong belief and advocacy for diversity in the programming lineup, especially in news, regardless of conflicts with her personal views.”
Gigi Sohn is one of the most knowledgeable persons I know on FCC issues and...
Charles Herring issued a statement on Wednesday endorsing Sohn’s confirmation, writing that “as an executive of an independent, family owned business of two national networks, One America News Network and Awe, I’ve found myself advocating for more open markets in an environment that is arguably a quasi monopoly. I’ve fought in the trenches side-by-side with Gigi Sohn for a number of years on multiple issues. I’m fully aware of Gigi’s personal views, yet I’m even more knowledgeable on her strong belief and advocacy for diversity in the programming lineup, especially in news, regardless of conflicts with her personal views.”
Gigi Sohn is one of the most knowledgeable persons I know on FCC issues and...
- 11/10/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
President Joe Biden plans to name Jessica Rosenworcel as permanent chair of the FCC, while he will nominate Gigi Sohn to fill a vacancy on the commission.
Lobbyists and lawmakers have been buzzing for months over the delay in Biden’s decision over the commission, which has been deadlocked 2-2 between Republicans and Democrats since he came into office.
Rosenworcel, who has been acting chair, will be the first woman to become permanent chair of the 87-year-old commission. Biden also nominated her for an additional term.
Sohn, a longtime public interest advocate who served as counselor to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who served during Barack Obama’s second term, had been viewed as one of the contenders for a slot on the commission. If Rosenworcel is confirmed to a new term and Sohn to fill the vacancy, Democrats will hold a 3-2 majority on the FCC, allowing them to tackle...
Lobbyists and lawmakers have been buzzing for months over the delay in Biden’s decision over the commission, which has been deadlocked 2-2 between Republicans and Democrats since he came into office.
Rosenworcel, who has been acting chair, will be the first woman to become permanent chair of the 87-year-old commission. Biden also nominated her for an additional term.
Sohn, a longtime public interest advocate who served as counselor to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who served during Barack Obama’s second term, had been viewed as one of the contenders for a slot on the commission. If Rosenworcel is confirmed to a new term and Sohn to fill the vacancy, Democrats will hold a 3-2 majority on the FCC, allowing them to tackle...
- 10/26/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The FCC scored a big win on Thursday as the Supreme Court decided, in a unanimous decision, that the regulatory body was well within its rights to loosen restrictions regarding media ownership rules.
The result could have a far-reaching impact on one of the oldest businesses in the TV industry.
In 2017, the FCC, led by Trump-appointed chairman Ajit Pai, proposed changes that would strike down the “Eight Voices Rule,” a ban on in-market consolidation of stations if the result would lead to fewer than eight independently owned stations Additionally, the FCC voted to remove a 45-year-old rule that bars one company from owning a TV station and newspaper within the same market (although a few exceptions have been made), along with restrictions on local media advertising.
The FCC’s changes were overturned last year by the Philadelphia-based Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which essentially told the agency to try again,...
The result could have a far-reaching impact on one of the oldest businesses in the TV industry.
In 2017, the FCC, led by Trump-appointed chairman Ajit Pai, proposed changes that would strike down the “Eight Voices Rule,” a ban on in-market consolidation of stations if the result would lead to fewer than eight independently owned stations Additionally, the FCC voted to remove a 45-year-old rule that bars one company from owning a TV station and newspaper within the same market (although a few exceptions have been made), along with restrictions on local media advertising.
The FCC’s changes were overturned last year by the Philadelphia-based Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which essentially told the agency to try again,...
- 4/1/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
The Federal Communications Commission was within its rights to loosen restrictions regarding media outlet ownership, the U.S. Supreme Court has held, and it doesn’t need empirical data to justify its decision.
The FCC’s ownership rules limit the number of radio stations, TV stations and newspapers that one entity can own in any single market. It’s obligated to review these rules every four years and repeal or modify any that is no longer “necessary in the public interest as the result of competition.”
In 2017, under then-chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC decided three of its rules were no ...
The FCC’s ownership rules limit the number of radio stations, TV stations and newspapers that one entity can own in any single market. It’s obligated to review these rules every four years and repeal or modify any that is no longer “necessary in the public interest as the result of competition.”
In 2017, under then-chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC decided three of its rules were no ...
The Federal Communications Commission was within its rights to loosen restrictions regarding media outlet ownership, the U.S. Supreme Court has held, and it doesn’t need empirical data to justify its decision.
The FCC’s ownership rules limit the number of radio stations, TV stations and newspapers that one entity can own in any single market. It’s obligated to review these rules every four years and repeal or modify any that is no longer “necessary in the public interest as the result of competition.”
In 2017, under then-chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC decided three of its rules were no ...
The FCC’s ownership rules limit the number of radio stations, TV stations and newspapers that one entity can own in any single market. It’s obligated to review these rules every four years and repeal or modify any that is no longer “necessary in the public interest as the result of competition.”
In 2017, under then-chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC decided three of its rules were no ...
Lina Khan, who had a key role in a House subcommittee antitrust investigation of major tech giants, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve on the Federal Trade Commission.
Biden’s selection of Khan is a further indication that his administration will take an aggressive approach to scrutinizing antitrust issues. Khan was the author of the influential Yale Law Journal study, Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox. She then helped lead the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee investigation of competition in digital markets, culminating in a conclusion that “the antitrust agencies failed, at key occasions, to stop monopolists from rolling up their competitors and failed to protect the American people from abuses of monopoly power. Forceful agency action is critical.” The FTC and a group of states sued Facebook last year, claiming antitrust violations.
Khan previously was a legal adviser to FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra and legal director at the Open Markets Institute.
Biden’s selection of Khan is a further indication that his administration will take an aggressive approach to scrutinizing antitrust issues. Khan was the author of the influential Yale Law Journal study, Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox. She then helped lead the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee investigation of competition in digital markets, culminating in a conclusion that “the antitrust agencies failed, at key occasions, to stop monopolists from rolling up their competitors and failed to protect the American people from abuses of monopoly power. Forceful agency action is critical.” The FTC and a group of states sued Facebook last year, claiming antitrust violations.
Khan previously was a legal adviser to FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra and legal director at the Open Markets Institute.
- 3/22/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA West’s Political Action Committee last year raised a record $286,000 for federal and state candidates – all Democrats.
The Pac, which also endorsed Joe Biden for president and Kamala Harris for vice president, told guild members today: “As we look to restoring, healing, building and gaining with new leadership, let’s not forget the role writers played in bringing about this historic change. Over the past four years, we organized, mobilized and fundraised, helping flip the House in 2018 and the Senate and White House in 2020.”
The guild’s Pac said it supported 51 federal and state candidates in 2020 with donations from 837 members, including more than 400 who never had contributed through the Pac before. And after the general election in November, it raised another $20,000 to support Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the Georgia Senate runoff elections.
“With a slim majority of allies in Congress who align with the Wgaw’s values,...
The Pac, which also endorsed Joe Biden for president and Kamala Harris for vice president, told guild members today: “As we look to restoring, healing, building and gaining with new leadership, let’s not forget the role writers played in bringing about this historic change. Over the past four years, we organized, mobilized and fundraised, helping flip the House in 2018 and the Senate and White House in 2020.”
The guild’s Pac said it supported 51 federal and state candidates in 2020 with donations from 837 members, including more than 400 who never had contributed through the Pac before. And after the general election in November, it raised another $20,000 to support Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the Georgia Senate runoff elections.
“With a slim majority of allies in Congress who align with the Wgaw’s values,...
- 2/4/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Jessica Rosenworcel will serve as the acting chairwoman of the FCC, filling the slot after the departure of Ajit Pai this week.
“I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” Rosenworcel said in a statement Thursday. “I thank the president for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity in the digital age.”
The FCC still will be split 2-2 between the two parties until a Biden nominee is confirmed to fill a vacancy. That would leave the agency in a stalemate on issues like net neutrality, which has long been a top communications priority among Democrats.
As the senior Democrat on the commission, Rosenworcel, 49, had been a leading contender to serve as a chair.
“I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” Rosenworcel said in a statement Thursday. “I thank the president for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity in the digital age.”
The FCC still will be split 2-2 between the two parties until a Biden nominee is confirmed to fill a vacancy. That would leave the agency in a stalemate on issues like net neutrality, which has long been a top communications priority among Democrats.
As the senior Democrat on the commission, Rosenworcel, 49, had been a leading contender to serve as a chair.
- 1/21/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
President Joe Biden has designated Jessica Rosenworcel to be the acting chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. If she gets the job permanently, that would make her the first female to lead the 86-year-old regulatory body. She is the second woman to be named acting chair, following Mignon Clyburn.
“I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” Rosenworcel said. “I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity in the digital age.”
Rosenworcel replaces outgoing chairman Ajit Pai, who resigned his post on Wednesday to coincide with Biden’s inauguration.
Rosenworcel, a Democrat, figures to be a polar opposite from Pai. For starters, she is a staunch supporter of...
“I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” Rosenworcel said. “I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity in the digital age.”
Rosenworcel replaces outgoing chairman Ajit Pai, who resigned his post on Wednesday to coincide with Biden’s inauguration.
Rosenworcel, a Democrat, figures to be a polar opposite from Pai. For starters, she is a staunch supporter of...
- 1/21/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
President Joe Biden has tapped Federal Communications Commission commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to be acting chair of the government agency. Rosenworcel has been an FCC commissioner since 2012, and is seen as one of the favorites to be nominated as the next permanent chair.
Ajit Pai stepped down as FCC chairman on Wednesday.
“I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff,” Rosenworcel said in a statement Thursday. “It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity ...
Ajit Pai stepped down as FCC chairman on Wednesday.
“I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff,” Rosenworcel said in a statement Thursday. “It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity ...
- 1/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
President Joe Biden has tapped Federal Communications Commission commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to be acting chair of the government agency. Rosenworcel has been an FCC commissioner since 2012 and is seen as one of the favorites to be nominated as the next permanent chair.
Ajit Pai stepped down as FCC chairman on Wednesday.
“I thank the president for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff,” Rosenworcel said in a statement Thursday. “It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity ...
Ajit Pai stepped down as FCC chairman on Wednesday.
“I thank the president for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff,” Rosenworcel said in a statement Thursday. “It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity ...
- 1/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Updated, 2:03 Pm: The Senate today followed the House of Representatives in overriding Donald Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, giving the outgoing president a bipartisan New Year’s rebuke.
Following the House’s Monday vote, the Upper Chamber voted 81-13 to override the veto, with far more than the two-thirds majority needed to do so. Read details of the legislation and its potential impact below.
Previously, December 23: Donald Trump followed through on a threat to veto a major $740 billion defense bill, in part because it does not repeal a key law that shields social media platforms from liability for the way that they moderate third-party content.
Trump’s rejection of the law had been anticipated, as Congress is planning to return next week to take a possible vote to override the veto. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that they would meet on Monday to vote on the override.
Following the House’s Monday vote, the Upper Chamber voted 81-13 to override the veto, with far more than the two-thirds majority needed to do so. Read details of the legislation and its potential impact below.
Previously, December 23: Donald Trump followed through on a threat to veto a major $740 billion defense bill, in part because it does not repeal a key law that shields social media platforms from liability for the way that they moderate third-party content.
Trump’s rejection of the law had been anticipated, as Congress is planning to return next week to take a possible vote to override the veto. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that they would meet on Monday to vote on the override.
- 1/1/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Senate confirmed Nathan Simington to the FCC on Tuesday, assuring that Republicans will have two seats on the commission to match those of Democrats when Joe Biden takes office.
Simington was confirmed in a 49-46 vote. Ajit Pai, who has been chairman of the agency during the Trump administration, said last week he will step down on January 20, leaving the agency with a 2-2 split between Republican and Democrats.
Biden will be able to nominate a fifth commissioner to break a deadlock, but if Republicans control the Senate, they could seek to tie up Biden’s pick and keep the agency from passing some of the policy priorities of Democrats. There has been hope among progressive activists that a new Democratic majority on the FCC would restore a robust set of net neutrality rules, which were largely rolled back during Pai’s tenure.
Simington’s nomination was rooted in...
Simington was confirmed in a 49-46 vote. Ajit Pai, who has been chairman of the agency during the Trump administration, said last week he will step down on January 20, leaving the agency with a 2-2 split between Republican and Democrats.
Biden will be able to nominate a fifth commissioner to break a deadlock, but if Republicans control the Senate, they could seek to tie up Biden’s pick and keep the agency from passing some of the policy priorities of Democrats. There has been hope among progressive activists that a new Democratic majority on the FCC would restore a robust set of net neutrality rules, which were largely rolled back during Pai’s tenure.
Simington’s nomination was rooted in...
- 12/8/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Monday that he’ll step down from his post on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, even though his current term isn’t set to end until July.
Pai was tapped to lead the FCC in January 2017 and was first appointed as a commissioner by President Barack Obama in 2012. President-elect Joe Biden has announced some key leaders in his administration, but he hasn’t yet indicated who he has in mind for the role.
Under Pai, the agency was reevaluating the scope of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects certain online platforms from ...
Pai was tapped to lead the FCC in January 2017 and was first appointed as a commissioner by President Barack Obama in 2012. President-elect Joe Biden has announced some key leaders in his administration, but he hasn’t yet indicated who he has in mind for the role.
Under Pai, the agency was reevaluating the scope of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects certain online platforms from ...
- 11/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Monday that he’ll step down from his post on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, even though his current term isn’t set to end until July.
Pai was tapped to lead the FCC in January 2017 and was first appointed as a commissioner by President Barack Obama in 2012. President-elect Joe Biden has announced some key leaders in his administration, but he hasn’t yet indicated who he has in mind for the role.
Under Pai, the agency was reevaluating the scope of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects certain online platforms from ...
Pai was tapped to lead the FCC in January 2017 and was first appointed as a commissioner by President Barack Obama in 2012. President-elect Joe Biden has announced some key leaders in his administration, but he hasn’t yet indicated who he has in mind for the role.
Under Pai, the agency was reevaluating the scope of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects certain online platforms from ...
- 11/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said on Monday that he plans to depart the agency on Jan. 20, which will create an opening to allow the incoming Joe Biden administration to form a Democratic majority on the commission.
Pai, a Republican, has been on the commission since 2012, and has been chairman through the Trump administration.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve at the Federal Communications Commission, including as Chairman of the FCC over the past four years,” Pai said in a statement. “I am grateful to President Trump for giving me the opportunity to lead the agency in 2017, to President Obama for appointing me as a Commissioner in 2012, and to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate for twice confirming me. To be the first Asian-American to chair the FCC has been a particular privilege. As I often say: only in America.”
Biden has not yet said who...
Pai, a Republican, has been on the commission since 2012, and has been chairman through the Trump administration.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve at the Federal Communications Commission, including as Chairman of the FCC over the past four years,” Pai said in a statement. “I am grateful to President Trump for giving me the opportunity to lead the agency in 2017, to President Obama for appointing me as a Commissioner in 2012, and to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate for twice confirming me. To be the first Asian-American to chair the FCC has been a particular privilege. As I often say: only in America.”
Biden has not yet said who...
- 11/30/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Federal Communications Commission will soon shift to Democratic control, and speculation has already begun about who will assume the chairmanship under the Biden administration.
Jessica Rosenworcel, the senior Democrat on the commission, is widely considered to be one of the leading candidates to succeed Ajit Pai in the powerful regulatory post. She has been vetted twice and would likely have a smooth path to confirmation, which would be a key consideration assuming the Senate remains in Republican hands.
“I think Jessica Rosenworcel probably has the best chance of becoming chair,” said John Orlando, former head of global government affairs at CBS. “The ease of her getting confirmed is far easier than anybody else.”
She also has the backing of Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. He issued a statement to Variety praising Rosenworcel’s work on net neutrality and on expanding broadband access to low-income students since she joined the commission...
Jessica Rosenworcel, the senior Democrat on the commission, is widely considered to be one of the leading candidates to succeed Ajit Pai in the powerful regulatory post. She has been vetted twice and would likely have a smooth path to confirmation, which would be a key consideration assuming the Senate remains in Republican hands.
“I think Jessica Rosenworcel probably has the best chance of becoming chair,” said John Orlando, former head of global government affairs at CBS. “The ease of her getting confirmed is far easier than anybody else.”
She also has the backing of Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. He issued a statement to Variety praising Rosenworcel’s work on net neutrality and on expanding broadband access to low-income students since she joined the commission...
- 11/27/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
If you haven’t of late thought much about the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates all U.S. radio, TV, satellite and cable communications, you’ll be forgiven — during the Trump years the agency became a nonfactor, slipping into a regulatory coma of sorts.
Most notably, the FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership retreated from net neutrality — the principle that internet providers shouldn’t discriminate when handling the flow of digital traffic — while its “light touch” policing didn’t go much further than attempts to rid the country of the scourge of robocalls and overseeing an auction of wireless spectrum. Anyone ...
Most notably, the FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership retreated from net neutrality — the principle that internet providers shouldn’t discriminate when handling the flow of digital traffic — while its “light touch” policing didn’t go much further than attempts to rid the country of the scourge of robocalls and overseeing an auction of wireless spectrum. Anyone ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
If you haven’t of late thought much about the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates all U.S. radio, TV, satellite and cable communications, you’ll be forgiven — during the Trump years the agency became a nonfactor, slipping into a regulatory coma of sorts.
Most notably, the FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership retreated from net neutrality — the principle that internet providers shouldn’t discriminate when handling the flow of digital traffic — while its “light touch” policing didn’t go much further than attempts to rid the country of the scourge of robocalls and overseeing an auction of wireless spectrum. Anyone ...
Most notably, the FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership retreated from net neutrality — the principle that internet providers shouldn’t discriminate when handling the flow of digital traffic — while its “light touch” policing didn’t go much further than attempts to rid the country of the scourge of robocalls and overseeing an auction of wireless spectrum. Anyone ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With the White House set to shift parties in January, powerful regulatory agencies the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission face sweeping issues with big implications for tech and entertainment, from antitrust and privacy to net neutrality, legal immunity for Internet platforms and media-cross ownership.
“They are piling up. Many issues that we were working on a decade ago are still around — the digital divide, net neutrality, copyright — and now we have others, like looking at big tech antitrust and Section 230. We need to see policymakers step up and take action,” said Christopher Lewis, president and CEO of policy nonprofit Public Knowledge, which promotes free expression and an open Internet.
Curating Internet content, or not, is by far the noisiest issue and the most political. The right and left both have concerns about how social media platforms operate, but diametrically opposed goals: the left wants more aggressive policing,...
“They are piling up. Many issues that we were working on a decade ago are still around — the digital divide, net neutrality, copyright — and now we have others, like looking at big tech antitrust and Section 230. We need to see policymakers step up and take action,” said Christopher Lewis, president and CEO of policy nonprofit Public Knowledge, which promotes free expression and an open Internet.
Curating Internet content, or not, is by far the noisiest issue and the most political. The right and left both have concerns about how social media platforms operate, but diametrically opposed goals: the left wants more aggressive policing,...
- 11/17/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, Oct. 30: Twitter caved Friday in its two-week battle with the New York Post over its Hunter Biden reporting, unlocking its main account on the service.
The Post has been the embroiled in a battle with the social media giant, which banned its links to its reporting on Hunter Biden’s business dealings and its ramifications on his father, Joe Biden, and his presidential campaign. Twitter claimed the reports were based on hacked information.
In a series of tweets, Twitter said it was revising its “Hacked Materials Policy” and “updating our practice of not retroactively overturning prior enforcement.”
“Our policies are living documents,” said one of the tweets from @TwitterSafety. “We’re willing to update and adjust them when we encounter new scenarios or receive important feedback from the public.”
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was called into the Congressional woodshed earlier over what some Republicans claimed was partisan censorship.
The Post has been the embroiled in a battle with the social media giant, which banned its links to its reporting on Hunter Biden’s business dealings and its ramifications on his father, Joe Biden, and his presidential campaign. Twitter claimed the reports were based on hacked information.
In a series of tweets, Twitter said it was revising its “Hacked Materials Policy” and “updating our practice of not retroactively overturning prior enforcement.”
“Our policies are living documents,” said one of the tweets from @TwitterSafety. “We’re willing to update and adjust them when we encounter new scenarios or receive important feedback from the public.”
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was called into the Congressional woodshed earlier over what some Republicans claimed was partisan censorship.
- 10/31/2020
- by Bruce Haring and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The latest news out of the latest congressional hearing on tech platforms’ content moderation practices was from Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, who said that he’s open to a rethink of Section 230.
That’s the provision of a 1996 law that gives Facebook, Twitter, Google and other platforms immunity for the way that they moderate third-party content.
But just six days before a presidential election, the Senate Commerce Committee hearing Wednesday with Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Alphabet-Google CEO Sundar Pichai was, for anyone who’s been following this stuff, exactly what you would think.
One after another, Republicans griped that their voices were being stifled on the platforms, with inconsistently deployed policies or what a number of lawmakers see as bias against the right (counterpoint: Facebook’s top performing links over the past 24 hours).
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-tx), who promoted the hearing with a meme akin to a prizefight,...
That’s the provision of a 1996 law that gives Facebook, Twitter, Google and other platforms immunity for the way that they moderate third-party content.
But just six days before a presidential election, the Senate Commerce Committee hearing Wednesday with Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Alphabet-Google CEO Sundar Pichai was, for anyone who’s been following this stuff, exactly what you would think.
One after another, Republicans griped that their voices were being stifled on the platforms, with inconsistently deployed policies or what a number of lawmakers see as bias against the right (counterpoint: Facebook’s top performing links over the past 24 hours).
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-tx), who promoted the hearing with a meme akin to a prizefight,...
- 10/28/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with Twitter response: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said the social media giant’s handling of an oddly sourced New York Post story about Hunter Biden was “wrong.”
Twitter disabled links to the story, eliciting an outcry by President Trump and the GOP and prompting the FCC to announce a review of longstanding rules on Internet company freedoms and the content that appears on their platforms.
Straight blocking of URLs was wrong, and we updated our policy and enforcement to fix. Our goal is to attempt to add context, and now we have capabilities to do that. https://t.co/ZLUw3YD887
— jack (@jack) October 16, 2020
Previously: The chairman of the FCC issued a statement on Thursday saying that he plans to move forward with efforts to clarify Section 230, the provision of a 1996 law that gives immunity to internet companies like Facebook and Twitter over the way that they moderate content.
Twitter disabled links to the story, eliciting an outcry by President Trump and the GOP and prompting the FCC to announce a review of longstanding rules on Internet company freedoms and the content that appears on their platforms.
Straight blocking of URLs was wrong, and we updated our policy and enforcement to fix. Our goal is to attempt to add context, and now we have capabilities to do that. https://t.co/ZLUw3YD887
— jack (@jack) October 16, 2020
Previously: The chairman of the FCC issued a statement on Thursday saying that he plans to move forward with efforts to clarify Section 230, the provision of a 1996 law that gives immunity to internet companies like Facebook and Twitter over the way that they moderate content.
- 10/16/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite becoming law more than 25 years ago, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has become a hot topic in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election — and now the FCC has decided to give the matter a closer look.
Section 230 became effective in 1996 and is designed to shield “interactive computer service” providers from liability for comments posted by third parties on their platforms. So, if someone defames FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Twitter he can sue the person who wrote the tweet but not Twitter itself, for example. The text reads, “No provider ...
Section 230 became effective in 1996 and is designed to shield “interactive computer service” providers from liability for comments posted by third parties on their platforms. So, if someone defames FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Twitter he can sue the person who wrote the tweet but not Twitter itself, for example. The text reads, “No provider ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Despite becoming law more than 25 years ago, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has become a hot topic in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election — and now the FCC has decided to give the matter a closer look.
Section 230 became effective in 1996 and is designed to shield “interactive computer service” providers from liability for comments posted by third parties on their platforms. So, if someone defames FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Twitter he can sue the person who wrote the tweet but not Twitter itself, for example. The text reads, “No provider ...
Section 230 became effective in 1996 and is designed to shield “interactive computer service” providers from liability for comments posted by third parties on their platforms. So, if someone defames FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Twitter he can sue the person who wrote the tweet but not Twitter itself, for example. The text reads, “No provider ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday said it will review a decades-old legal battle over whether the Federal Communications Commission can make media ownership rules less restrictive. In particular, the court will review a ban that has been in place since 1975, barring cross-ownership of TV stations and newspapers in major American cities (although some exceptions have been made). The ban has gained renewed interest from the FCC in recent years. In October 2017, the FCC, led by Trump-appointed chairman Ajit Pai, voted to remove the ban, along with restrictions on local media advertising. Pai also proposed changes that would make it easier for one company or owner to control two TV stations in a single market. “The marketplace today is nothing like it was in 1975,” Pai said at the time. Also Read: Trump's Department of Commerce Petitions FCC to Narrow Protections for Twitter, Facebook Similarly, the FCC looked to change...
- 10/2/2020
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments in the latest challenge to the FCC’s efforts to loosen its rules that limit media ownership.
The high court on Friday said it would take on the case brought by Philadelphia-based Prometheus Radio Project, a collection of low-power radio stations. Prometheus and others are challenging the FCC’s rollback on the grounds that the commission has not given sufficient consideration to how such moves will impact broadcast station ownership by women and minorities.
The FCC has been fighting in court over its media ownership rules for 17 years, through Republican and Democratic administrations. Most recently, the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals last September vacated the FCC’s 2017 rule changes, saying the commission had not properly defined some of the specific terms used to define how stations would be evaluated for complying with revenue- and reach-based limits.
The decision had...
The high court on Friday said it would take on the case brought by Philadelphia-based Prometheus Radio Project, a collection of low-power radio stations. Prometheus and others are challenging the FCC’s rollback on the grounds that the commission has not given sufficient consideration to how such moves will impact broadcast station ownership by women and minorities.
The FCC has been fighting in court over its media ownership rules for 17 years, through Republican and Democratic administrations. Most recently, the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals last September vacated the FCC’s 2017 rule changes, saying the commission had not properly defined some of the specific terms used to define how stations would be evaluated for complying with revenue- and reach-based limits.
The decision had...
- 10/2/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Three senators have accused AT&T of ignoring net neutrality principles by not counting the use of its new HBO Max streaming service against its customers’ data caps. AT&T data customers who use competing streamers, such as Netflix and Disney+, will have that usage counted against their data caps.
Democratic senators Edward Markey, Richard Blumenthal, and Ron Wyden published a letter to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson regarding the telecom giant’s decision on Thursday. The move favors AT&T customers who use its own streaming service, which would’ve been illegal under the net neutrality rules that the Ajit Pai-led Federal Communications Commission repealed in 2018.
For example, an AT&T customer with a one gigabyte data plan could stream as much HBO Max as they’d like without it contributing to their data cap. But if that customer were to stream content from a rival streaming service, it...
Democratic senators Edward Markey, Richard Blumenthal, and Ron Wyden published a letter to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson regarding the telecom giant’s decision on Thursday. The move favors AT&T customers who use its own streaming service, which would’ve been illegal under the net neutrality rules that the Ajit Pai-led Federal Communications Commission repealed in 2018.
For example, an AT&T customer with a one gigabyte data plan could stream as much HBO Max as they’d like without it contributing to their data cap. But if that customer were to stream content from a rival streaming service, it...
- 6/5/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi usually gets to do his job from the comfort of a New York studio, surrounded by a helpful crew and the latest technology. On Saturday, he had to worry about being tear-gassed on the streets of Minneapolis.
Velshi, who has been delivering reports from the streets of that protest-torn city, was struck by a rubber bullet while covering the scene, just one of a number of mainstream press operatives confronted by new realities as they set about their job of trying to provide information to the public about a story that is more dangerous than the norm. Protesters have gathered in cities across the nation, ranging from Los Angeles and New York to Minneapolis and Salt Lake City, largely in reaction to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
I’m hit in the leg by a rubber bullet but am fine.
Velshi, who has been delivering reports from the streets of that protest-torn city, was struck by a rubber bullet while covering the scene, just one of a number of mainstream press operatives confronted by new realities as they set about their job of trying to provide information to the public about a story that is more dangerous than the norm. Protesters have gathered in cities across the nation, ranging from Los Angeles and New York to Minneapolis and Salt Lake City, largely in reaction to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
I’m hit in the leg by a rubber bullet but am fine.
- 5/31/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update, 8:52 Am Pt: The White House is attacking Twitter’s decision to flag one of President Donald Trump’s tweets for violating the platform’s rules rules about “glorifying violence.”
Trump’s tweet, about the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, reference the unrest in the city, with the president saying, “Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him the military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” The phrase, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” was used by Miami’s police chief in 1967 when he was talking about a crackdown on “slum hoodlums.”
After Twitter slapped a label on the tweet, Trump’s original message was tweeted out on the White House’s official account. But Twitter flagged that tweet as well. That led to a barrage of criticism from the White House.
Trump’s tweet, about the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, reference the unrest in the city, with the president saying, “Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him the military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” The phrase, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” was used by Miami’s police chief in 1967 when he was talking about a crackdown on “slum hoodlums.”
After Twitter slapped a label on the tweet, Trump’s original message was tweeted out on the White House’s official account. But Twitter flagged that tweet as well. That led to a barrage of criticism from the White House.
- 5/29/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that targets social media companies, claiming that sites like Twitter and Facebook have “unchecked power” to censor and restrict points of view.
First Amendment advocates and tech industry groups quickly raised red flags over the order and doubts about its enforceability.
The order takes aim at a key provision of the law that protects tech platforms from liability for the third party content posted on their sites — whether that be immunity from lawsuits over the material itself or if action is taken to restrict it.
Silicon Valley has credited that immunity, granted in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, for the growth of social media and user generated sites in the past two decades. Without it, platforms would be forced to police every piece of third party content to ensure that it does not expose them to lawsuits.
But Trump argued...
First Amendment advocates and tech industry groups quickly raised red flags over the order and doubts about its enforceability.
The order takes aim at a key provision of the law that protects tech platforms from liability for the third party content posted on their sites — whether that be immunity from lawsuits over the material itself or if action is taken to restrict it.
Silicon Valley has credited that immunity, granted in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, for the growth of social media and user generated sites in the past two decades. Without it, platforms would be forced to police every piece of third party content to ensure that it does not expose them to lawsuits.
But Trump argued...
- 5/28/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Democratic FCC commissioners have blasted the agency’s Republican majority for approving a record $48 million fine against Sinclair Broadcast Group that opponents say allows the broadcast giant to avoid tougher scrutiny of its actions.
Earlier this month, the FCC disclosed an agreement with Sinclair that settles three ongoing investigations into its actions and calls for the company to abide by the terms of a 17-page consent decree that was released Friday.
Sinclair critics say that even with the high fine, the settlement lets Sinclair off the hook easy. The company had been in danger of facing challenges to its right to own broadcast licenses, in light of the conduct that prompted the FCC probes. The FCC vote on whether to approve the fine and settlement with Sinclair was 3-2 down party lines.
The FCC’s formal order goes so far as to assert that Sinclair used a “good faith interpretation...
Earlier this month, the FCC disclosed an agreement with Sinclair that settles three ongoing investigations into its actions and calls for the company to abide by the terms of a 17-page consent decree that was released Friday.
Sinclair critics say that even with the high fine, the settlement lets Sinclair off the hook easy. The company had been in danger of facing challenges to its right to own broadcast licenses, in light of the conduct that prompted the FCC probes. The FCC vote on whether to approve the fine and settlement with Sinclair was 3-2 down party lines.
The FCC’s formal order goes so far as to assert that Sinclair used a “good faith interpretation...
- 5/22/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The two Democrats on the FCC are blasting the agency’s decision to settle investigations into Sinclair Broadcast Group with a record $48 million fine.
Earlier this month, Sinclair agreed to pay a $48 million civil penalty — the largest imposed on a broadcaster in the FCC’s history — to close three open government investigations, including of its conduct as it sought to acquire Tribune Media in 2018.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said that the settlement “ignores its rules and bends the facts in order to assist Sinclair Broadcast Group with sweeping its past digressions under the rug.” She was joined in her vote against the settlement with the other Democrat on the five-member commission, Geoffrey Starks.
Some critics of the broadcaster should be imposed given its alleged conduct during the Tribune transaction.
At the time the fine was announced this month, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said that its “conduct during its attempt to...
Earlier this month, Sinclair agreed to pay a $48 million civil penalty — the largest imposed on a broadcaster in the FCC’s history — to close three open government investigations, including of its conduct as it sought to acquire Tribune Media in 2018.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said that the settlement “ignores its rules and bends the facts in order to assist Sinclair Broadcast Group with sweeping its past digressions under the rug.” She was joined in her vote against the settlement with the other Democrat on the five-member commission, Geoffrey Starks.
Some critics of the broadcaster should be imposed given its alleged conduct during the Tribune transaction.
At the time the fine was announced this month, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said that its “conduct during its attempt to...
- 5/22/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Association of Broadcasters opened a virtual show on Wednesday with a far different scenario than envisioned just a few months ago — the dire situation for some radio and TV stations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In his address to broadcasters, Nab President and CEO Gordon Smith said, “We know this is likely the most challenging time local stations have ever encountered. This pandemic has crippled our nation’s economy, and our industry has not been spared.”
He said that stations “are confronting plummeting advertising sales and enormous operational challenges. And yet, stations are doing what they do best: delivering the trusted and lifesaving information your communities need.”
He also said that “some have had to take out loans to make payroll. Some have had to let go of trusted and capable staff. And some, I am very sorry to say, have had to close their doors entirely.”
Radio stations have been hit particularly hard,...
In his address to broadcasters, Nab President and CEO Gordon Smith said, “We know this is likely the most challenging time local stations have ever encountered. This pandemic has crippled our nation’s economy, and our industry has not been spared.”
He said that stations “are confronting plummeting advertising sales and enormous operational challenges. And yet, stations are doing what they do best: delivering the trusted and lifesaving information your communities need.”
He also said that “some have had to take out loans to make payroll. Some have had to let go of trusted and capable staff. And some, I am very sorry to say, have had to close their doors entirely.”
Radio stations have been hit particularly hard,...
- 5/13/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
President Donald Trump lashed out again at Meet the Press host Chuck Todd, calling for him to be fired after the Sunday show aired an edited clip of Attorney General William Barr talking about the Justice Department’s decision to drop the Michael Flynn case.
This is certainly not the first time that Trump has targeted Todd: He’s tweeted or retweeted about him 14 other times since taking office, while the President has been on a tear about NBC and its parent company, Comcast, in some of his public statements and at briefings and rallies.
In the clip shown on Sunday’s Meet the Press, Barr, in an interview with CBS News’ Catherine Harridge last week, is asked, “When history looks back on this decision [to drop the Flynn case], how do you think it will be written?”
“Well, history is written by the winners. So largely it depends on who is writing the history,...
This is certainly not the first time that Trump has targeted Todd: He’s tweeted or retweeted about him 14 other times since taking office, while the President has been on a tear about NBC and its parent company, Comcast, in some of his public statements and at briefings and rallies.
In the clip shown on Sunday’s Meet the Press, Barr, in an interview with CBS News’ Catherine Harridge last week, is asked, “When history looks back on this decision [to drop the Flynn case], how do you think it will be written?”
“Well, history is written by the winners. So largely it depends on who is writing the history,...
- 5/11/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Sinclair Broadcast Group will pay a $48 million fine to the FCC to resolve a series of investigations into the station group, the commission announced Wednesday.
The $48 million is the largest in FCC history for a broadcaster, and more than double the $24 million paid by Univision in 2007.
The FCC said it closes an investigation into the company’s disclosure of information relating to its proposed acquisition of stations owned by Tribune Media. The agreement also closes investigations into whether the company has met its obligations to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith and its failure to identify the sponsor of content it produced and supplied to both Sinclair and non-Sinclair television stations.
Also Read: PTC Asks Broadcasters to Bring Back Family Hour Programming Block
“Sinclair’s conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Today’s penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune transaction,...
The $48 million is the largest in FCC history for a broadcaster, and more than double the $24 million paid by Univision in 2007.
The FCC said it closes an investigation into the company’s disclosure of information relating to its proposed acquisition of stations owned by Tribune Media. The agreement also closes investigations into whether the company has met its obligations to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith and its failure to identify the sponsor of content it produced and supplied to both Sinclair and non-Sinclair television stations.
Also Read: PTC Asks Broadcasters to Bring Back Family Hour Programming Block
“Sinclair’s conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Today’s penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune transaction,...
- 5/6/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Sinclair Broadcast Group agreed on Wednesday to pay a record $48 million fine to resolve a series of allegations with the Federal Communications Communication.
The FCC announced that the agreement will end three investigations into the broadcaster, including charges that it failed to disclose the sponsor of paid content, and that it misled the FCC during its failed merger with Tribune Media.
In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called Sinclair’s conduct “completely unacceptable” and said the fine should serve as a warning to others.
“On the other hand,” he continued, “I disagree with those who, for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair’s licenses. While they don’t like what they perceive to be the broadcaster’s viewpoints, the First Amendment still applies around here.”
Sinclair’s CEO, Chris Ripley, said in a statement on Wednesday that the company was “pleased with the resolution announced today by...
The FCC announced that the agreement will end three investigations into the broadcaster, including charges that it failed to disclose the sponsor of paid content, and that it misled the FCC during its failed merger with Tribune Media.
In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called Sinclair’s conduct “completely unacceptable” and said the fine should serve as a warning to others.
“On the other hand,” he continued, “I disagree with those who, for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair’s licenses. While they don’t like what they perceive to be the broadcaster’s viewpoints, the First Amendment still applies around here.”
Sinclair’s CEO, Chris Ripley, said in a statement on Wednesday that the company was “pleased with the resolution announced today by...
- 5/6/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Sinclair Broadcast Group will pay $48 million in a civil penalty — the largest imposed on a broadcaster in the FCC’s history — to close three open government investigations, including of its conduct as it sought to acquire Tribune Media in 2018.
The fines, however, do not revoke FCC licenses, a sanction that some critics of the broadcaster should be imposed given its alleged conduct during the Tribune transaction.
“Sinclair’s conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. “Today’s penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune transaction, should serve as a cautionary tale to other licensees seeking Commission approval of a transaction in the future. On the other hand, I disagree with those who, for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair’s licenses. While they don’t like what they perceive to be the broadcaster’s viewpoints,...
The fines, however, do not revoke FCC licenses, a sanction that some critics of the broadcaster should be imposed given its alleged conduct during the Tribune transaction.
“Sinclair’s conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. “Today’s penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune transaction, should serve as a cautionary tale to other licensees seeking Commission approval of a transaction in the future. On the other hand, I disagree with those who, for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair’s licenses. While they don’t like what they perceive to be the broadcaster’s viewpoints,...
- 5/6/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast and AT&T are extending through June 30 a set of initiatives they launched in response to Covid-19, offering wifi hotspots free to everyone (not just their customers) and more flexible payment options for internet, pay-tv and wireless services.
The extension, Comcast said, will “help ensure students can finish out the school year from home” and stay connected to the internet during the pandemic. AT&T said its moves were “consistent” with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s “Keep America Connected Pledge.”
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In addition to the hotspots across the U.S., Comcast is pledging not to disconnect service to any Xfinity customers and also to waive late fees and find...
The extension, Comcast said, will “help ensure students can finish out the school year from home” and stay connected to the internet during the pandemic. AT&T said its moves were “consistent” with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s “Keep America Connected Pledge.”
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In addition to the hotspots across the U.S., Comcast is pledging not to disconnect service to any Xfinity customers and also to waive late fees and find...
- 4/27/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The FCC rejected a petition to investigate how broadcasters are airing President Donald Trump’s statements about the coronavirus, as well as those made by on-air personalities including Rush Limbaugh.
In response to an emergency petition from public interest group Free Press, the agency said that it would act would “neither act as a roving arbiter of broadcasters’ editorial judgments nor discourage them from airing breaking news events involving government officials in the midst of the current global pandemic.”
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FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said that “the federal government will not—and never should—investigate broadcasters for their editorial judgments simply because a special interest group is angry at the...
In response to an emergency petition from public interest group Free Press, the agency said that it would act would “neither act as a roving arbiter of broadcasters’ editorial judgments nor discourage them from airing breaking news events involving government officials in the midst of the current global pandemic.”
More from DeadlineIATSE Wants To Hear Members' Stories About Impact Of Covid-19 ShutdownHollywood's Coronavirus PSAs: 'Adventure Time'; AMC, CBS & ABC Stars; Hallmark; 'Chicago' Shows, 'Sesame Street' & Many More'Archer' Season 11 Premiere Date Pushed Due To Coronavirus-Related Production Delays
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said that “the federal government will not—and never should—investigate broadcasters for their editorial judgments simply because a special interest group is angry at the...
- 4/6/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Two prominent House Democrats want the FCC to give stations assurances that their licenses won’t be in jeopardy, after Donald Trump’s presidential campaign suggested as much in a legal threat sent to outlets airing a pro-Joe Biden Super Pac ad critical of the president’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-nj), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-pa), who heads the communications and technology subcommittee, wrote in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai that “we believe the FCC has a duty to provide clear guidance to broadcasters and the public that threats by politicians about protected speech will not influence the agency or broadcaster licenses. To stay silent could undermine the First Amendment and the Communications Act.”
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Rep. Frank Pallone (D-nj), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-pa), who heads the communications and technology subcommittee, wrote in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai that “we believe the FCC has a duty to provide clear guidance to broadcasters and the public that threats by politicians about protected speech will not influence the agency or broadcaster licenses. To stay silent could undermine the First Amendment and the Communications Act.”
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- 4/2/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with FCC comments
ABC, NBC and Telemundo announced special weekday coverage focused on the coronavirus as Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai thanked broadcasters for their efforts in educating the public about the pandemic.
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Pai held a conference call yesterday with television and radio broadcasters and broadcaster trade associations to thank broadcasters and discuss additional ways that broadcasters can help Americans stay safe and informed.
“I’m grateful for the steps that broadcasters are taking,” Pai said. “Going forward, I urged them to air public service announcements featuring prominent entertainment and sports personalities, and local news anchors asking Americans to practice the social distancing that is needed to combat this pandemic. We need this vital message...
ABC, NBC and Telemundo announced special weekday coverage focused on the coronavirus as Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai thanked broadcasters for their efforts in educating the public about the pandemic.
More from DeadlineBillboard Music Awards Postponed Amid Coronavirus OutbreakDow Ends Up Nearly 5% As Nervous Markets Buoyed By Economic Rescue Plans'Days Of Our Lives' To Remain On Hiatus Until Further Notice Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Pai held a conference call yesterday with television and radio broadcasters and broadcaster trade associations to thank broadcasters and discuss additional ways that broadcasters can help Americans stay safe and informed.
“I’m grateful for the steps that broadcasters are taking,” Pai said. “Going forward, I urged them to air public service announcements featuring prominent entertainment and sports personalities, and local news anchors asking Americans to practice the social distancing that is needed to combat this pandemic. We need this vital message...
- 3/17/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast, AT&T, Charter, Verizon and dozens of other internet providers have pledged to keep customers connected even if they cannot pay their bills because of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai unveiled a list of ISPs who have committed to keeping service active at least for the next 60 days. It also applies to small business customers.
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“I don’t want any American consumers experiencing hardships because of the pandemic to lose connectivity,” Pai said in a statement.
The ISPs also will waive any late fees that customers incur, and have agreed to open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them. The full list of companies who have made the pledge is here.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai unveiled a list of ISPs who have committed to keeping service active at least for the next 60 days. It also applies to small business customers.
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“I don’t want any American consumers experiencing hardships because of the pandemic to lose connectivity,” Pai said in a statement.
The ISPs also will waive any late fees that customers incur, and have agreed to open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them. The full list of companies who have made the pledge is here.
- 3/13/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanks to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a Bill Clinton-era law that overhauled regulation of media, there's a big brawl that inevitably occurs every four years in court. The FCC undertakes a quadrennial review of its broadcast ownership rules, and groups file legal challenges complaining that the agency skirted its duties and came to unjustifiable conclusions.
"Here we are again," began a Sept. 23 opinion by 3rd Circuit Judge Thomas Ambro.
Except this time, there was some difference. Thanks to the election of Donald Trump, the conservatives, led by chairman Ajit Pai, got voting control over the FCC, and ...
"Here we are again," began a Sept. 23 opinion by 3rd Circuit Judge Thomas Ambro.
Except this time, there was some difference. Thanks to the election of Donald Trump, the conservatives, led by chairman Ajit Pai, got voting control over the FCC, and ...
- 11/7/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday issued its formal approval of the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, a proposed $26 billion tie-up that would unite the No. 3 and No. 4 U.S. telecom providers. The party-line vote was held last month but officially revealed today.
The news comes after the U.S Department of Justice in July agreed to approve the merger, with the condition that the newly combined entity agree to sell Sprint’s Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Sprint-branded prepaid mobile services to Dish Network for $1.4 billion. Dish has been attempting to pivot from its longtime satellite foundation toward a future as a mobile player.
The proposed divestiture of assets is designed to preserve competition, while the merger would make the newly combined T-Mobile a larger rival to sector leaders AT&T and Verizon.
Other commitments highlighted by the FCC on Tuesday included the new company deploying 5G service to cover 97% of...
The news comes after the U.S Department of Justice in July agreed to approve the merger, with the condition that the newly combined entity agree to sell Sprint’s Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Sprint-branded prepaid mobile services to Dish Network for $1.4 billion. Dish has been attempting to pivot from its longtime satellite foundation toward a future as a mobile player.
The proposed divestiture of assets is designed to preserve competition, while the merger would make the newly combined T-Mobile a larger rival to sector leaders AT&T and Verizon.
Other commitments highlighted by the FCC on Tuesday included the new company deploying 5G service to cover 97% of...
- 11/5/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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