Media/government news: A new FCC commissioner, and a new wireless RFP

Posted by Mitchell - May 31, 2006 (entry 461)

To absolutely no advance notice, though not much of a surprise, the U.S. Senate -- despite rumors of at least two blocks, which were later evidently lifted -- confirmed telecom attorney and lobbyist Robert McDowell as the fifth FCC commissioner. This gives a Republican majority on the FCC for the first time in more than a year. Corporate media outlets and lobbyists salivated at the prospects to ruin the media further, and even the internet. But the FCC blew it once before. Will they blow it again?

Meanwhile, here in Chicagoland, da Mare's office has announced a Request For Proposals for a city-wide wireless internet network. My feeling: This is a possibility for either tremendous good or tremendous scandal. Choose wisely.

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