The Future of the First Amendment (12m:14s) – The Future of the First Amendment James Quello, commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke to the San Diego Communications Council on what he believed to be the future of the First Amendment in regard to the new technologies that were entering the market.
What’s Indecent? Who Decides? May 18, 1990 (2h:10m:0s) – Complete title is “What’s Indecent? Who Decides? 24 Hour Ban on Indecent Programs.” Some language may be offensive.
First Amendment Power-the Indecency Issue November 20, 1987 (1h:13m:0s) – The panelists discuss where the first amendment begins and ends and where indecency in broadcasting begins and ends.
FCC Reauthorization April 10, 1991 (3h:41m:0s) – The committee heard testimony on the Federal Communications Commission, which is scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress this year. The FCC is a regulatory agency for all public communications media, including television, radio, and wireless technologies, and regulates some aspects of content in media as well as the medium itself. Witnesses testified on the role of the FCC in regulating all aspects of communications media, including the regulation of advertising in children’s programming, “900” numbers, and network syndication rights. The previous day, the FCC had voted 3-2 to amend their rule prohibiting television networks from selling syndication rights to network broadcast shows. The rule as amended allows networks to acquire resale rights on up to 40 percent of their prime-time programming, and royalties on the rest of the network’s broadcast shows. Committee members questioned witnesses from the FCC intensely on the FCC’s vote in changing the so-called “fin-syn” rule, which still prohibits networks from distributing shows for syndication only.
Cable Regulation Issues May 18, 1990 (3h:22m:05s) – The Federal Communications Commission addressed issues facing the cable and broadcasting industries. The Commission was in the process of rule-making to implement the Cable Act of 1992.
Cable Regulation Issues April 1, 1993 (32m:05s) – Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission discussed the issue of financial interest in syndication.
Future of the Cable Industry May 26, 1993 (31m:0s) – Mr. Quello spoke to an audience of members of the cable television industry on the enactment of new FCC guidelines concerning cable television. He discussed the 1992 Cable Act, which was intended to foster competition among cable television suppliers and reduce costs for consumers. He responded to questions from members of the audience following their prepared remarks.
Cable Television Regulation Legislation September 28, 1993 (2h:21m:56s) – ‘Witnesses testified concerning cable television regulation legislation which passed despite a presidential veto in the fall of 1992. Over 120 House members have petitioned the subcommittee to investigate the reduced service and increasing costs that have come resulted from the implementation of the bill.
Telecommunications Issues November 9, 1993 (2h:0m:0s) – Representative Markey and others spoke during a forum discussing the telecommunications issues. Following opening statements, they took questions from the audience.
Cable Rate Decrease Decision February 22, 1994 (1h:38m:28s) – Staff members presented recommendations concerning the Cable TV regulation bill and the problems it caused local cable operators and subscribers. Following the witness testimony, the members voted for the recommendations that will alter the original cable bill forcing cable companies to reduce rates.
Broadband PCS Auction Opening Ceremony December 5, 1994 (43m:0s) – The Federal Communications Commission’s electronic auction is selling 99 licenses to companies to provide wireless phone technology in 51 areas across the nation. Various officials made remarks about the importance of this new step in providing government revenue and giving consumers more technology choices. Vice President Gore talked about the importance of government and private initiatives to maintain U.S. leadership in this technology, including the efforts to pass telecommunications reform legislation this year.
Telecommunications Issues June 7, 1994 (20m:0s) – Mr. Quello talked about telecommunications deregulation and other industry issues.
Telecommunications Act Implementation June 18, 1996 (3h:08m:0s) – Committee members heard testimony from F.C.C. commissioners and several state regulators concerning how the F.C.C. is implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996 through drafting new regulations. The testimony focused on the need for federal, state and local government cooperation, as well as several main components of the bill, including ensuring fair competition for local telecommunication services.
Telecommunications Issues June 19, 1996 (29m:0s) – The commission heard from policy-makers and media executives on a proposal for free television time for presidential campaigns.
Liquor Advertising July 9, 1997 (1h:14m:0s) – The Federal Communications Commission held an open meeting on the reallocation of UHF television channels and the advertising of distilled spirits on television. Members of the FCC reported to the commissioners. Mr. Smith reported that UHF stations would disband once the transition to digital television was complete and public safety entities would receive new equipment to help make the transition. The commissioners then discussed responding to requests that the FCC conduct an investigation of alcohol advertising on television.
Cable and the FCC June 25, 1998 (27m:0s) – Former commissioner Quello talked about issues facing the telecommunications and cable industry. He served as commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission for over twenty years. Mr. Quello talked about the importance of good public and governmental relations between local cable operators, customers and governments. Following his prepared remarks, Mr. Quello answered questions from the audience.
