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Published: Aug. 20, 2008

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A U.S. government official says high-speed Internet access should be available to all residents even if that means providing it free of charge.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin says the government has a social obligation to make sure everybody can participate in the next generation of broadband services, USA Today reported Wednesday.

In an interview with the newspaper, Martin said he planned to turn his vision into reality by using a section of wireless airwaves set to be auctioned next year.

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The New York Times
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June 5, 2008

Investment Places F.C.C. Aide Amid Fraud Inquiry

By STEPHEN LABATON

WASHINGTON — For the last three years, Daniel Gonzalez has been the loyal lieutenant and gatekeeper to Kevin J. Martin, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. He has kept the agency humming, the paper flowing and the staff vacancies filled as Mr. Martin’s chief of staff.

Described by some as the sixth commissioner, he has helped shape policy on regulations that decide winners and losers among the nation’s broadcasters, telephone companies, wireless carriers and cable providers.

As largely unheralded officials like Mr. Gonzalez prepare to exit the government in the final months of the Bush administration to seek high-paying jobs at law firms or companies, Mr. Gonzalez faces a far more uncertain future. Instead of cashing in on his access and expertise, he faces the possibility of financial ruin.

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Senate Overturns Media Consolidation Rule!

by Jason Rosenbaum :: Filed Under Media Issues :: May 15th, 2008 @ 9:24 pm EST


The Senate just passed a "resolution of disapproval" nullifying the FCC's latest giveaway to big media companies!

Back in December, the FCC went against 99% of the comments submitted by members of the public and passed a rule allowing media companies to consolidate further:

The FCC voted to remove the “newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership” ban that prohibits one company from owning a broadcast station and the major daily newspaper in the same market. The resolution of disapproval (Senate Joint Resolution 28), introduced by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), would nullify the FCC’s new rules if passed by Congress and signed by the president.

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