Federal Communications Commission

www.fcc.gov

If you're broadcasting, transmitting, beaming or downloading material across state lines, you've got to answer to the Federal Communications Commission.

Once a sleepy little agency that dealt primarily with radio and television broadcast licenses, the FCC has become much more prominent over the past ten years as new technologies and mega-mergers have changed the landscape of the media industry.  The Telecommunications Act of 1996, for example, barely deals with Internet-related issues and critics say it is due to be rewritten.

The FCC is made up of 5 commissioners with a 3-2 split in favor of the party of the president.  Commissioners serve five-year terms and the president selects one to be FCC chairman.  The Senate must confirm commissioners, though it has no voice in the selection of the chairman.

Probably the most effective way to cover the FCC for regional newspapers is to localize a story that affects all parts of the country, instead of seeking out FCC stories that affect just your region.  Major issues that will probably continue to generate copy for the next few years are discussed in this profile:

Telecommunications

Phone giants now offer package deals that go beyond regular local phone hookups to include cellular, long distance, broadband, and VoIP services.  Critics complain the companies only offer these services as all-or-nothing bundles, leaving consumers with few alternatives while squeezing them with higher monthly bills.Consumer groups like Consumers Union plan to ask the FCC to consider requiring phone companies to offer “a la carte” style broadband and other services before such mega-mergers are approved by the agency.

Indecency on the Airwaves

In May 2009, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on its first major broadcast indecency case in 30 years, FCC vs. Fox Television Stations.

Local complaints

The banter on your local radio station's morning zoo program a bit too blue?  Keep an eye out to see if someone has filed a complaint with the FCC about a radio station in your area.  In today's climate, FCC sanctions may be more likely than in the past.

Legislation working its way through Congress may have implications for local stations.  For example, a House version of a bill introduced by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) would require the FCC to consider revoking a station's license if it racks up three indecency violations.

Digital Television

Congress set June 12, 2009 as the date by which most TV stations must switch to digital transmission.

Media Consolidation

The merger of big media companies into bigger media companies continues to be a story that affects what people read, watch, and listen to in every U.S. city. Critics of consolidation say it stifles diversity and independence, and threatens democracy. 

Acting FCC chairman Michael Copps has said the agency should reconsider its restrictions on combined ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in light of the newspaper industry's financial woes. The House Judiciary Committee plans hearings in 2009 to look at whether antitrust enforcement is hurting newspapers.

Lobbists and Consumer Groups

Don't forget to pay attention to the industry lobbyists – including some of the most powerful in Washington—who rack up dozens of billable hours at the FCC each week.  Two of the most important for regional coverage:

The National Association of Broadcasters has members in nearly every congressional district and (in part because of that) is one of the most powerful trade groups in Washington. The spokesman is Dennis Wharton,  202-429-5350, kroberts@nab.org.

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association represents cable providers like Comcast and cable Networks like Discovery.  The best regional connection is to get a list of the cable firms in your area and learn how FCC action could affect them (and your readers' cable bill).  Brian Dietz is the spokesman, 202-775-3629, bdietz@ncta.com.

Consumers groups also have their place in the FCC's lobbying orbit. Consumers Union is often outspoken on massive media mergers and prices for cable TV and high-speed Internet. David Butler is media director, 202-462-6262.

The Parent's Television Council is a conservative non-profit organization founded by Brent Bozell that has led the charge against indecency on the public airwaves. The PTC awards a “Seal of Approval” to broadcasters and advertisers for “creating, broadcasting, and sponsoring programs with positive messages and that are free of strong sexual, violent, and profane material.”  Press contact: Kelly Oliver, 703-683-5004 ext. 140, koliver@crcpublicrelations.com.

Media Access Project is another group that generally opposes media consolidation or looks for ways to use mergers to increase the diversity of content.  Andrew Jay Schwartzman is president, 202-232-4300.

The best way to quickly come up to speed on any FCC issue you hope to localize for a regional audience is to read the trade publications that regularly cover the agency.  Best bet: TVinsite.com, which is the web site for several trades like Broadcasting and Cable and Multichannel News.  Also very good are The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety, but both require subscriptions.
There's also lots of helpful info on the Enforcement Bureau web page.

Does this agency's information need updating? programs@nationalpress.org