FCC Probe Report Card Could Be Released Today…

Tuesday, December, 9, 2008 by Mel Phillips.

A strongly critical FCC report on Kevin Martin’s managing of the agency may be released as early as today.  An informed source says House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman, Rep. John Dingell’s (D-Mich) year-long report will be released today.  A committee source is not as optimistic, saying that the plan is to release it this week, but would not confirm a day.  Bart Stupak (D-Mich) who heads the investigative subcommittee that conducted the investigation said this about Martin, ”the way FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has run the commission is not the way it is supposed to be run.”  Translation - the report will rake K-MART over the coals…

As critical as the report should be, it’s not likely to trigger any hearings.  The worst that can happen to Martin or the agency is to set up case studies which could provide ammunition for future hearings, perhaps leading to a revamp of the commission by Congress.  While Stupak is very critical of Martin, sources say that the report does not find any legal or ethics violations…

The results of this investigation is a long time in coming.  It was launched last January after complaints externally and internally about how items were brought to a vote and complaints about Martin’s resolve to vote on modifying the ban on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership, which passed December 18, despite attempts to stop or delay the vote by members of FCC oversight committees in both Houses…

It’s one thing to investigate wrong doings in the FCC or any other government agency but I’m totally opposed to any attempt by Congress to revamp the FCC for their own benefit…  

10 Timeline Memories:

1. 1793] Stop the presses: ‘The American Minerva’ becomes New York’s first daily newspaper. It’s founded by Noah Webster who gives us our first dictionary.  Webster also loved the bible, which he didn’t write…
2. 1907] Sealing the deal: Christmas Seals go on sale for the first time.  This clip is from a 1938 commercial…
3. 1940] The first FM radio timebuy: The Longines Watch Company signs the first FM radio advertising contract with experimental W2XOR in New York City.  Longines is located in Switzerland…
4. 1958] Birchers rejoice: The ‘John Birch Society’ is formed in Indianapolis (IN) by Robert H.W. Welch Jr. and 11 others, as an anti-communist society…
5. 1967] Wedding Bells: Lyndon Johnson’s daughter Lynda (Bird) marries Marine, Charles Robb in the White House. Robb will become Governor of Virginia. They celebrate their 41st anniversary today.  Lynda is seen here eulogizing her mother…
6. 1975] Drop Dead New York: President Gerald Ford signs a $2.3 billion seasonal loan authorization to prevent New York City from defaulting despite his “Drop Dead” message to New York.  In this clip, Ford guests on “What’s My Line?”…
7. 1977] Face-off: The Lakers Kermit Washington punches Rudy Tomjanovich in the face during a game. Tomjanovich would need facial reconstruction and collects $2 million from the Lakers in a settlement. Washington is fined $10,000 and suspended for 60 days.  Rudy T. eventually forgives Kermit…
8. 1979] ‘Happy Trails’: Religious broadcaster Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen dies from natural causes at 84…1981] Orioles lead singer Sonny Til dies from a heart attack at 51…
9. 1990] Vote for me: Lech Walesa wins Poland’s 1st direct presidential election in the country’s history…
10. 1992] Royal separation: Britain’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana announce their separation…

Music Memories:

• 1963] Released on this date: “Meet The Supremes” LP…1972] “Crocodile Rock” - Elton John…1978] “Soul Man” - Blues Brothers…1995] “Anthology I” - Beatles. This follows the showing of the 6-hour ABC documentary. “Free As A Bird” is the the first new Beatle tune in 25 years…
• 1968] TCB: The Supremes and Temptations special airs on NBC-TV…
• 1984] Curtains: The Jacksons play their last show together in Los Angeles…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday“:

Felicity Huffman (46), Donny Osmond (51), John Malkovich (55), Beau Bridges (67), Dame Judi Dench (74), Buck Henry (78), Dick Van Patten (80), Dina Merrill (83) and Kirk Douglas (92)…

Timeline Countdown: 12 days until winter, 13 nights until Hanukah, 16 shopping days until Christmas, 22 nights until New Year’s Eve and 25 days until the NFL playoffs…

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