FCC Commissioner on Net Neutrality, the Future of Media and More

Staff / Truthdig Mar 19, 2007 Jonathan Adelstein, one of five FCC commissioners, speaks with Truthdig about the battle to control America's airwaves, the value of an open and fair Internet and his initial thoughts on the XM-Sirius merger. Dig deeper ( 12 Min. Read )

Dingell Takes On the FCC

Staff / Truthdig Feb 16, 2007 Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), who just became head of the Commerce Committee, tells a public-radio interviewer that he's about to launch a Net Neutrality-flavored smackdown against the FCC. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Send the FCC Chairman a Valentine

Staff / Truthdig Feb 14, 2007 This cute video allows viewers to send a Valentine's Day message to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin (the guy who may be a lot more interested in bowing to the demands of media conglomerates than in protecting net neutrality). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

FCC Rules in Favor of Telephone Companies

Staff / Truthdig Dec 21, 2006 The Federal Communications Commission ruled along party lines on Wednesday to severely limit local governments' ability to regulate their cable markets. The decision will allow telephone companies greater freedom to compete with cable by offering television services, but Democrats on the panel cautioned that the FCC had overstepped its mandate. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

FCC Mulls Rule Changes

Staff / Truthdig Oct 24, 2006 The FCC is considering rule changes that would enable further media consolidation, but several new studies submitted to the regulatory body say limited media ownership has resulted in bland content and a power structure that favors white men. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Tech Group Appeals Wiretap Ruling

Staff / Truthdig Jul 22, 2006 A group of technology companies and civil liberties organizations has appealed a court ruling that would require Internet service providers to allow the government backdoor access to their systems. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘Egyptian Brokeback Mountain’ Marks Liberalization of Muslim Culture

Staff / Truthdig Jun 29, 2006 The fact that Egyptian authorities didn't censor a box office-topping film that deals frankly with homosexuality--along with police torture and government corruption--is probably a sign that Egypt's government is adopting a more tolerant, progressive attitude. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Bush just signed the "Janet Jackson FCC bill," which raises by tenfold the fines for broadcasing so-called indecent material. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The ‘Obscene’ Nipple

Mike Luckovich / Truthdig Jun 16, 2006 Dig deeper

CBS: Teen Sex Orgy Complaints Invalid

Staff / Truthdig Jun 15, 2006 Virtually none of the people who complained about a racy sex scene in the CBS drama ?Without a Trace? actually saw the show in question, according to the network, which is fighting a record $3.3-million indecency fine. CBS said that all of the 4,211 e-mailed complaints came from conservative websites that urged members to send complaints about the segment--sight unseen. story w/video link Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Senate Jacks Up On-Air Indecency Fines

Staff / Truthdig Jun 12, 2006 We missed this one a few days ago: Congress allowed the FCC to raise by tenfold the fines it can impose on radio and TV stations that air raunchy content. The vote was nearly unanimous in both houses of Congress. Remember what the "Southpark" creators told us: Horrible, despicable violence is OK, as long as you don't use potty language. Dig deeper

FCC Probing Fake-News Broadcasts

Staff / Truthdig May 30, 2006 Federal authorities are investigating dozens of TV stations for running "faux news broadcasts" made by government agencies and corporations. (Via Huff Po.) Earlier: See the report that kick-started the investigation. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Cellphone Chatter at 35,000 Feet? Say It Ain’t So

Staff / Truthdig Mar 30, 2006 Despite widespread public disapproval of the move, the FCC plans to allow companies to provide cellphone service on airplanes You may remember the FCC: It's the one that got so bent out of shape about Janet Jackson's breast Seems the agency is continuously looking out for our best interests. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )