FCC Plays Hardball At The End Of Their Run…

Wednesday, November, 5, 2008 by Mel Phillips.

The current FCC, took its last collective breath by approving ‘white space’ for broadband.  They threw their high hard one while they could.  The historic election of President Barack Obama will bring with it a Democratic majority not only to the Senate but to the FCC as well.  Not only did this FCC approve ‘white space’, it did it with a unanimous 5-0 vote.  Despite more than 25,000 comments, a substantial number opposed to the plan, the FCC approved it anyway.  Under the FCC’s plan, white space spectrum will be unlicensed and free - like Wi-Fi - to anybody who wants to use it.  I like that.  In some markets, there’s enough white space to fill a half dozen TV channels.  FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, who got his way in this debate, says consumers are the biggest winners.   “The ability to have Wi-Fi like connectivity, at faster speeds and greater range” will help further deployment of broadband across the U.S.A…

This FCC might not be through, having opened an inquiry into cable TV pricing earlier this week.  The agency is investigating how much cable TV operators plan to charge consumers once the country goes digital in February even though the FCC doesn’t regulate cable TV prices.  Under its mandate from Congress, the agency has broad latitude to look out for the interests of consumers, including cable TV customers…

One more final bit of action for this FCC was the agency approving the Verizon Wireless purchase of Alitel Corporation, a deal that would create the country’s largest cellphone company.  Radio should be grateful that the FCC is not winding up business that includes indecency.  The U.S. Supreme Court is working on that… 

10 Timeline Memories: 

1. 1895] Patented: George B. Selden of Rochester (NY) receives the first U.S. patent for an automobile…
2. 1935] Premiered on this date: The game of Monopoly is introduced by Parker Brothers…
3. 1940] Election results: Franklin D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented 3rd term but will be the last president to do so by a new law that limits presidents to two terms…1946] 29-year old Boston Democrat John F. Kennedy is elected to the U.S. House of Representatives…1968] Republican Richard M. Nixon wins the presidency over VP Hubert H. Humphrey and George Wallace…1996] Voters return Bill Clinton to the White House for a second term as Clinton beats Dole…
4. 1960] “Happy Trails“: Johnny Horton, 33, is killed in an auto accident in Texas…1989] Pianist Vladimir Horowitz dies of a heart attack at 86…
5. 1981] Busted: Former Miami Dolphin running back Mercury Morris is sentenced to 20 years for drug trafficking and possession of cocaine…
6. 1982] Put it in the books: The Nets put the Cleveland Cavaliers in the record books when they hand the Cavs their 24th consecutive loss, 99-91…
7. 1990] Gunned down: Jewish Defense League Rabbi Meir Kahane, 58, is shot to death after a speech in Manhattan. His assassin, an Egyptian, is later sentenced to life in prison. Many believe Kahane was the first victim of Al Qaida…
8. 1994] The new champ is the old champ: George Foreman becomes boxing’s oldest heavyweight champ at 45 by knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round…
9. 1994] Former presidential announcement: Former President Ronald Reagan discloses he has Alzheimer’s disease…
10. 1998] Former presidential offspring: A study shows strong genetic evidence that Thomas Jefferson fathered at least one child by his slave, Sally Hemmings…

Music Memories:

• 1968]  Number One on this date:  “Hey Jude” - Beatles.  This more recent version features Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting, Phil Collins and others…
• 1978]  Number One on this date:  “You Needed Me” - Anne Murray…
• 1988]  Number One on this date:  “Kokomo” - Beach Boys…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday“:

Johnny Damon (35), Tatum O’Neal (45), Bryan Adams (49), Bill Walton (56), Peter Noone (61), Art Garfunkel (67) and Elke Sommer (68)…

Timeline Countdown: 6 days until Veterans Day and 22 days until Thanksgiving and 46 days until winter…

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