REGULATING REGULATORS

Z man, my new, bold boss. I want to buy this guy a beer.

2008-02-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

It was a harsh, but TRUE comment about the bloated "motherfuckers" who have been running this place into the ground. Zell may not have all the answers in saving this kind of struggling business, but at least he's playing a fair game. There are dozens of young, underpaid people (hint, hint) here who could make a huge difference for the mighty, amazing Tribune Company. So the man should get rid of those old, scavanging, dinosaur motherfuckers and start afresh!
Watch the video, it is sweet.
And FYI for anyone reading - according to some cocky, NERDY, bloggers out there - my feeble attempt at a blog, in the words of Sam Zell, "FUCK YOU!" Your blogs suck at best. At least I don't rant about myself online like you dickheads. Ehhemmm...
Now back to The Zell Show...

Zell is swell

2008-01-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is one of many articles covering the "news" about Sam Zell's new handbook for Tribune employees. I can tell you first hand, this is going to be one wild ride working here, he's definitely the kind of guy who thinks outside the box. And I love that... For any Tribune tower visitors, we now have a jukebox in the cafeteria and a pinball machine on L2.

Staying busy

2008-01-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

Martin stays on Comcast, cable companies to ensure healthy competition.

Fuller nailed it

2008-01-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

I could not agree more with this piece. And Fuller doesn't even work at the Tribune anymore, he just needed to make a great point. And he did.

FCC to waiver restrictions for Mother T.

2007-11-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Three of the five FCC members (all republicans) voted are allowing the Zell/Tribune deal to go through...

Copps a great speaker, goes to media convention to talk with young journalists 10/26/07

2007-11-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps is a great speaker, and three weeks ago proved he's not always giving a speech to angry mobs against media consolidation. He made it a point to offer his views about media of yesterday, today, and tomorrow at the annual ACP College Media Convetion that took place in Washington.
"I'm worried about the state of media, and media consolidation," said Copps. He further discussed how important it was to pay attention to what media giants are doing with the PUBLIC airwaves.
"People own the airwaves," said Copps. He gave a few examples of current problems under the radar. "We have to pay attention to things like signal overlapse."
He added not foreseeing blogs or newer forms of independent media saving the day, and thought Newspapers are still going to be a strong media force in years to come.

From Bill Moyer's Journal

2007-08-27T13:15:00.001-07:00

This is a good piece.

Hell Froze Over: FCC is finally coming to Chi-town!

2007-07-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

What timing. What a great spot for a hearing, with everything going on in Chicago (Tribune bought by Zell etc...) What will happen? I'm going, who wants to join me?...

GOOGLE to enter the spetrum, will this benefit consumers as they say?

2007-07-11T07:39:00.001-07:00

Ending the era of bland commercial radio and tv

2007-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Localism on FCC's agenda

2007-06-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Speak out now!...If you want to go to or live in Portland. I'm out.

Diversity Diminishing?

2007-06-05T13:34:00.003-07:00

2007-06-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

This is great

2007-05-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

Keep looking out for us all, Copps

2007-05-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

Great Points Made Against Regulation For TV Violence

2007-05-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

This is a great article, because the Cable Execs aren't simply complaining about how they may lose money if this ridiculous bill can pass, but are addressing key issues about our rights as consumers, and as free citizens.
I have to keep emphasizing; adults should be the ones regulating what children can watch, not government. Hell in a handbasket is the phrase if the FCC is allowed to regulate any further. I'm an example. My folks let me play with toy guns, watch action movies and television, even let me blast Appetite For Destruction and I was only 11. I'm fine, I don't want to hurt anyone, I may sware occassionally (about the FCC), but I'm fine. Violent images DO NOT cause anyone to do anything. There is some other factor involved they should look into, and its not the FCC's job, yet, to discover what "causes" violence. We do not understand enough about this to point fingers at media and arts. FCC: don't use this as a scapecoat so you can appear to be doing your jobs. This is not your issue.

FCC is really pushing to legislate tv violence regulation

2007-05-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

This may not seem like that big of a deal to some, but as this article points out, passing this kind of bill would give the FCC so much more authority. And why? Do they really have any solid proof that states tv violence strongly influences real-life situations? Again, no way!

Does TV Cause Real Violence? Nah...

2007-05-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

I agree with this article. Our freedom to express is far too important to allow for the FCC to simply "prove" that TV violence causes real violence, and therefore regulate violence on tv.

Live @ Tribune Tower

2007-05-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Today, details regarding Tribune's deal with Zell are being discussed at the Tribune Tower. Many questions have come up about how much the FCC would be involved during this transaction; these questions about ownership and regulation have yet to be addressed properly, or fully answered. Hmmmm... I'll be following up if I hear more! You can listen in at the link.

Don't buy analog sets

2007-05-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

We're going digital all the way. Although I bet there are still tons of folks out there with rabbit ears-signals.

They are not scientists

2007-05-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Bush appointed Martin. Bush is no scientist. Neither is Martin. Bottom line is that The FCC board members are not THAT educated. They are not experts. Furthermore, my point here, is that with all the technological advances in communication now coming into existence, who is to say the FCC knows what the hell they are doing with any of this stuff? They are creating rules and regulations for cable companies, media giants, and ISP's as if they invented this stuff. They are politicians. It drives me nuts when they act like they know what is best. We should have more say in who will do this job. The president shouldn't appoint the Chairman of the FCC. It doesn't make sense, especially when we have a president who is constantly working to bend and change the laws we abide by. While the average citizen doesn't really think about the FCC on a daily basis, if they knew how much power the commission has, they may pay more attention.
I'm just saying.

FCC Occassionally Flexible; Depends On Situation

2007-05-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Who Should Govern What Kids Can Watch?

2007-05-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

The FCC is still asking congress to legislate limits on tv violence, and the argument still stands whether or not this should be a parental responsibility or handled by the government.
I think the p's should be the ones making the call. I don't think the studies FCC Chairman Martin suggests prove anything. My friends and I watched violent tv, cartoons, movies, played with GI Joes, you name it, and have yet to be influenced negatively...

Cross-ownership In FCC Crosshairs? Hopefully Its For Real This Time.

2007-04-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Whether the news is printed or broadcasted, having one company own it all definitely affects what becomes important information, and having fewer perspectives causes a far less intellectual response to the news. That is scary.
So what will the FCC do about cross-ownership? Nothing yet, but they are listening - Copps and Adelstein are listening and this is what they are hearing - while the little guys (local, small business media companies) say that cross-ownership is killing their business, the bigger guys (media executives) argue that lifting ownership limits would help companies compete on new media platforms (because the greedy bastards forgot to invest in internet technologies 10 years ago - they were too busy buying 20th century medium. I'm typing this at home so I should be okay!)
Giving the bigger guys more, hmmm... how will this help the guys who are not only losing money, but the entire business, to the bigger companies?
Get rid of cross-ownership. Media should do big things, not be big.

Time To Speak Out Again

2007-04-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

Its in Tampa. Who is going? They should come to Chicago. There is plenty of cross-ownership here!

The Democrats Are Definitely for The People

2007-04-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

People, young people, should really appreciate what we have, and what is at stake. It is all under the radar, because those telling the story everyday are those whose empires are in jeopardy.

Like Education, Our Broadband Plan Ranks Low, Globally

2007-04-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

ISP's are holding the country back from having a solid broadband policy, and the FCC is letting them. Companies like AT&T and Verizon should not receive government suppport if you ask me, I'm just saying.

I Am Not Alone. Sweet.

2007-04-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Simmons Wants Everyone To Clean It Up

2007-04-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

From AP:

"Expressing concern about the "growing public outrage" over the use of such words in rap lyrics, Simmons said the words "bitch,""ho" and "nigger" should be considered "extreme curse words."

Thanks, Russell. However, where was this "growing public outrage" before Imus's remarks? Why didn't you say anything before that?

I'm curious. If a black radio host called a white girl's basketball team dumb, blond, tramps (or something nasty) would anyone care? Would there be a growing, public outrage? Could we call the Jackson/Sharpton squad to step up?

The Imus Virus

2007-04-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

It appears as if what Don Imus said three weeks ago just won't die. People! Whether on-air, at work, or making a hip-hop cd, don't say the "H" word! In NYC, three minority police officers claim that their superiors called them hos.

The Public Cares About Public Domain

2007-04-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Its not like global warming is the issue, however, all those working for the U.S. government should follow the rules and laws (yeah, right). It appears as if Adelstein and Copps (the dems) care, but the rest act like the FCC is a club and they can do whatever they want. Well IT ISN'T, as Commissioner Copps points out in his op-ed:

"Three years ago, a majority at the FCC voted - over the strong objections of my colleague Jonathan Adelstein and me - to scrap many of the ownership limits. They did so without seeking the input of the American people."
Copps adds that at that time, 3 million people contacted the FCC in opposition to the scrapping of the limits.

News flash; the FCC still wants to scrap ownership limits. But they can't do it if we don't want them to; and while some people I talk to don't know what the FCC even means, this is an important issue.
Bottom line is, it is our spectrum, and the FCC should do what we tell them. You can in Tampa on April 30th.

They need to tour more.

My Film

2007-04-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

There should be more of these at more locations

2007-04-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Reinventing The Wheel: Bad taste isn't illegal

2007-04-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

From 1970 - 2004 The FCC dished out tons of fines, all of them had something to do with indecency, some kind of sexual discussion or sexually explicit behavior. None of the fines were based on anything racial. I ask this. If what Don Imus said was so terrible, so offensive to so many, what good is the FCC if they don't have a fine for something like this? Should't they have one? Hold that thought. The flipside to this coin is that Imus said nothing wrong. If the FCC doesn't fine him, did he do anything wrong? It bothers me that this branch of government has done nothing. That is why they exist. They should be taking notes. Instead, they are sitting back, not getting their hands dirty.

FCC Where Are You?

2007-04-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

From my earlier post, I didn't address what really counts... I still want to know where the hell the FCC is regarding the Imus comment. They showed their stuff fining Janet Jackson's nipple $550K during the superbowl; they fined Mancow Muller $60K for discussing the taste of semen on-air; and they fined Stern $2 MILLION for god knows how much he said in one year. Then Don Imus makes a horrible comment during a simulcast and the media, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have tantrums, Imus gets fired, and that's it? That's not right. FCC where are you? Where is the hefty fine? Why aren't you doing your job? Because Powell is gone? Now that Powell is out you've taken this sideline-referee stance. I was no fan of Powell, nor the FCC, but this, this is rubbish. Its YOUR JOB to deal with these issues. I don't agree with many of your decisions, but get on it. Was what Imus said not in this category of fines?
Hello?
What are you doing for the people? This is why you exist!!! Please do your job so Jackson and Sharpton don't do it for you, or us.

I Must Imus

2007-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Free speech... If you haven't read ANY news in the past week and a half, then you didn't read about radio/TV personality Don Imus, who made some remarks about the Rutgers Women's Basketball team, calling them, "nappy-headed ho's". The media, with the aid of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, served Imus up like Thanksgiving dinner, and now Imus is currently off-air, having been fired by Les Moonves (CBS). Here's what bothers me; yes, it is a horrible thing to say about anyone, but when the team was interviewed and said they were so offended, it was hard to believe. The response came off like they actually watched Imus's show or something! Give me a break. Was the team even listening? No. Did anyone who was offended actually listen to that broadcast, or would they have tuned in? NO. This was so overdone, overjudged, overplayed by media.
Moonves (CBS) only took action because of advertisers threatening to pull out. It had nothing to do with "the right thing to do". Even Sharpton admitted this on Real Time this weekend. Thoughts anyone?...Enlighten me... Lemme have it.

Will the FCC do what its supposed to in this deal? Doubtful if you ask me.

2007-04-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Its nice to see watchdogs watching the bigger dogs, but seriously, I doubt the FCC will prevent this deal from happening. Its a nice thought! Yes to localism, but come on, we've got a long way to go until they jump all over something like this. Companies like the Trib are just too damn big to be messed with. Prove me wrong and I'll get to editing...

Interesting situation. Will the FCC go after Zell?

2007-04-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Tribune Company was "grandfathered" to avoid media regulation (crossownership of medium in one city etc.), and when they haven't been grandfathered in, they've fought the gov't in court simply because they could. However, now that Sam Zell will be taking over the company, will he be granted the same benefits the Tribune did? I think so...

Trains and automobiles, but no planes! Thank you.

2007-04-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Of course this has all been done to ensure that there is no communications interference during flights, but I've got to say I'm glad there is still one place on earth (err, not on earth) where you are free from cell phone jacka$$es!

Big Fun

2007-04-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Absolute Power

2007-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

You don't mess with their rules, or they will destroy you. At least they let the company go private. What a favor...

And The Winner Is?...

2007-03-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

This special section on the Post's website is great. Its old, but still interesting. It should be updated for 2006.

FCC All About Broadcaster's Compliance With The Rules

2007-03-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

FCC To Discuss Digital Radio

2007-03-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Its almost here. Digital Radio, or IBOC (In Band, On-Channel) was approved for use a few years ago, and the FCC plans to discuss this new science in further detail on Thursday, March 22, 2007.

New peeps at the FCC

2007-03-19T10:41:00.003-07:00

FCC Commission put in place by Congress

2007-03-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. Even the FCC. Recently, the commission attempted to approve the approval...

FCC Drops The Ball: Tribune asking to waiver ownership rules in LA

2007-03-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

Its not all bad for Mother T here in Chicago. The Tribune Company was allowed some more time to sell KTLA 5 in Los Angeles due to a malfunction with the FCC's electronic filing system. And while the FCC rule states that no company can own a TV station and newspaper in the same city, the Tribune says it is somewhat of an outdated rule since there are now so many more outlets for consumers, and that owning both LA Times and KTLA 5 isn't the same advantage as it used to be.
In other Tribune news, real estate mastermind Sam Zell offered to buy the company for $13 billion. Hmmm....

Good point, Henry! I think they listened to you.

2007-03-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

Now that I think about it...

2007-03-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

...Now that I think about it, after reading a few blog entries about the FCC requiring these HUGE conglomerates to pay a measily $12.5 million for "indy air-time", it really doesn't amount to much. They should make these big monsters pay 10 times as much, and then we, the radio listeners, the public, may notice a difference as we tune in...

Want to use Morse? Tougher Testing For License.

2007-03-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Martin Monitors Sirius/XM Marriage

2007-03-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin is making sure of all the details going into the recent merge that united XM and Sirius Satellite companies, in order to find out if customers will eventually pay more for one service. He mentioned that there was a need for more "clarity" as to what was actually being proposed. Good thing these guys are all about clarity. We wouldn't want anything the FCC handles to be vague or confusing, or misleading...

Adelstein Isn't Happy

2007-03-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

A decision was made by the FCC (3-2 decision) to have a universal, or national process, for all companies seeking to enter the video market. Licenses are now granted through local gov't process, but this rule may change local gov't influence.

FCC Commmissioner Jonathan Adelstein blasted away at his fellow Republican members Martin, McDowell, and Tate.

"The sum total here is an arrogant case of federal power riding roughshed over local governments," said Adelstein (AP).

As usual, the FCC is playing around with their own rules; while they do not have the power to create a "national system" for companies to earn licenses, it does have power in the way of miminizing local gov't influence.

At least they are voting on these rules, rather than simply applying them!

FCC Sticking Up for Indi Record Labels

2007-03-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Do you wake up in the morning hearing the same crap on every radio station? Are you sick and tired of monotonous material on the air, over and over again, through your receiver? The FCC has the pill for you!
It may seem like a seldom occurance, but the FCC is actually helping the little guy in recent news. Four major radio chains; Clear Channel, CBS, Entercom Comm. Corp, and Citadel Broadcasting Corp. have 'agreed' to pay the government $12.5 million, in order to provide hours of free air play segments for indi-rockers.

Jonathan Adelstein (FCC) comments on this monumental move in broadcasting.

"It's absolutely the most historic agreement that the independent community has had with radio," said Adelstein (AP).

While $12.5 million may seem like nothing to companies like these, stations must broadcast whether or not they are being paid to play certain songs on-air. Sounds like a healthy situation for the little guy.

Speak out again in Columbus, OH

2007-03-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

The FCC boys will be showing up in Ohio to address public concern.

2007-02-27T10:01:00.001-08:00

FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps made it clear in Harrisburg last week that not only new rules included in a recent FCC proposal may need further review, but that the old rules may stink as well.

"I think now we can stop playing just defense and go on the offense and talk about more than avoiding bad new rules—we should revisit the bad old rules that got us into this mess in the first place," said Copps, "I’m going to be doing everything I can to make sure we don’t have a repeat of the Powell near-catastrophe."

While Copps may have the public's best interest in mind, some feel that Congress has not kept tabs on the FCC.
Senator Bryon L. Dorgon (D-N.D.) plans to thoroughly examine and question the FCC committee; something he feels has not been accomplished in congress for quite some time.

"The entire Congress for years now has been devoid of any kind of oversight, and the new Democratic majority is launching a process that will force the FCC to beat a path to Capitol Hill to respond," said Dorgon (Wash. Post).

Had to post this after reading the letter from PA reps to FCC.

2007-02-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

A Record Breaker

2007-02-26T09:43:00.001-08:00

The FCC laid a whopping $24M fine on Univision Communications Inc., the nation's largest Spanish-English broadcast provider.

Here is a chance to let them know what you think

2007-02-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

From 9am - 2:30pm, the FCC will be holding a hearing regarding Media Ownership, and we can let them know what we think. Despite the FCC's efforts to thoroughly inform the public of this event, it wasn't really broadcast in detail until about two weeks before today. As I mentioned earlier this week, four PA representatives wrote a letter complaining about the FCC's poor job of informing the public about this. Hopefully the FCC takes the letter seriously. The link above has all the details about the hearing.
For the millions of us who will not attend this hearing in PA, the FCC's website will be casting it live. www.fcc.gov

Voice It

2007-02-22T07:51:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg Ownership Information

2007-02-21T09:53:00.001-08:00

PA Reps Blast FCC for Poorly Planning PUBLIC hearing

2007-02-21T09:26:00.004-08:00

It is good to know that our government is ticked off at our government. This should be bigger news. The FCC was criticized by four PA reps ( Reps. Mike Doyle, Tim Holden, Robert Brady and Allyson Schwartz) because the commission did a horrible job inviting the public to a PUBLIC hearing regarding media ownership. February 16th, the four reps wrote a letter to the FCC. The letter included the following statements.

"The hearing was announced on February 8th, without a schedule or location, which does not allow enough time for interested people to spread the word about the hearing. With the hearing taking place less than a week from now, the FCC has still not posted the location or details of the event, including the time of public testimony. With Monday being the President’s Day holiday, we believe that you’re leaving very little time for the public to hear about and plan to attend the hearing."

Seriously, could the FCC be more suspicious? More:

"As this will likely be the only opportunity for Harrisburg residents, and people across Pennsylvania, to speak personally to the FCC and provide input about media ownership, we are greatly concerned that you aren’t providing adequate opportunity for public involvement."

This isn't the first time the FCC has failed to 'broadcast' public hearings. They are also working on censoring violence on television. What is up with that? When will they be making an announcment for those hearings?...

FCC Hearing on Media Ownership

2007-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

FCC will be having a hearing regarding media ownership issues on 2/23/07.

FCC still after Broadcasters and TV Violence

2007-02-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

The FCC is still working hard on a draft and report that suggests violence on television is a huge influence on children's behavior. However, some point out that violence is not always fictional on television, as Jonathan Rintels, Exec. Director of the Center For Creative Voices In Media, addresses an interesting topic.
"Will [the ban on tv violence] count on news magazines like '60 Minutes' and 'Dateline'? What about hockey games when the gloves come off and people start punching each other?" (AP)
What about censoring ALL the violence, as Rintels points out? Isn't this still a parental issue, and not the responsibility of the broadcasters or the law?
Anyone remember Ozzy Osbourne was in court for his lyrics based on suicide (the song, Suicide Solution); a teen killed himself "because of the song", sending Osbourne to court. A bit extreme, wouldn't you say?

FCC ready to evaluate XM/Sirius Combo

2007-02-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

With two radio licenses and one company, the merge between Sirius and XM Satellite radio companies will certainly face evaluations from the FCC. The reason? There are already provisions in place previously made by the FCC, preventing these licenses being owned by one company.

While TV industry spends millions teaching V-chip technology, FCC closes in on Violence

2007-02-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Senator John D. Rockefeller (D-W. Va.) will be blowing dust off an unsuccessful proposal from 2005, hoping to prove that Congress have the constitutional right to regulate violence on television.
In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that the FCC could regulate indecency on TV and radio, but not violence.
If the FCC makes the case that violence is related to television, they may rule the same as they did for the indecency ruling in '78.
Meanwhile, the TV industry has been working to prove that piece of legislation will not be necessary.
Joining forces last year, Broadcasters, altogether, have spent $300 million towards teaching parents how to use the V-chip, and various "blocking" technologies.
However, the FCC has concluded that blocking technologies are flawed and will not be sufficient.

2006 FCC COVER UP

2007-02-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

Something to think about if we care about what the FCC is doing for/to us

2007-02-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

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