FREE PRESS ACTION FUND for FREE PRESS ACTION FUND

Communications/Broadcasting/Radio/TV COM

Local Community Radio Act of 2007 (HR 2802) This bill opens the dial to more Low Power FM radio stations. These stations are community driven and locally oriented, providing news and information often ignored by mainstream radio. Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2007 (S 1492) The Broadband Data Improvement Act seeks to improve the quality and speed of broadband Internet by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reevaluate its current 200 kilobit broadband standard. It also directs Internet service providers to report to the FCC the availability of broadband service and second generation broadband connections by nine-digit zip codes, to replace the current five-digit zip code reporting system. The bill also provides an annual $40 million in grants for five years to match private, non-profit state investments to identify barriers to statewide broadband deployment. Media Ownership Act of 2007 (S. 2332) This bill promotes transparency in the adoption of new media ownership rules by the Federal Communications Commission, and to establish an independent panel to make recommendations on how to increase the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership. Ownership - Meetings regarding the FCCs Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, especially the rule on "newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership," which prevents companies from owning a television or radio station and the major daily newspaper in the same area, and the local ownership caps that limit a company from owning more than one television station in most markets. Spectrum Meetings regarding the Federal Communications Commission auction of the 700 MHz band. to create a much-needed "third pipe" competitor to broadband services offered by phone and cable companies. - Also meetings regarding potential use of currently unused AWS-3 spectrum. Internet Neutrality Meetings regarding possible legislation to reinstate protections for network neutrality, ensuring that all content, applications and services are equally available online, prohibiting broadband network operators from blocking, degrading, or prioritizing service on their networks. White Spaces Meeting regarding possible legislation about "white spaces" -- the unused parts of the public airwaves between TV channels that could expand broadband service to underserved areas. Postal Rates Meetings regarding possible legislation to reverse new postal regulations that unfairly burden smaller publishers with higher postage rates while locking in special privileges for bigger media companies.

Contacted: SENATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); UNDETERMINED

Bills named: H.R. 2802 (110th), S. 2332 (110th)