Twitter’s handle on DC evolving

Twitter, already an established Silicon Valley player and long a DC outsider, may have little choice but to get more involved in the Washington game -- as was the case for Facebook and Google.

read more

Something’s happening to local news

So far this year, 223 local TV stations have changed hands. This is the biggest wave of media consolidation ever -- and it's all happening in small and mid-level markets, involving companies most people have never heard of.

read more

Radio broadcasters face challenge from tech heavyweights

Radio remains the world’s most popular form of media in terms of audience, with listener figures at their highest levels in decades. But broadcasters face some of their fiercest competition for years as the world’s biggest technology companies – including Apple and Google – take aim at their business.

read more

What Ted Cruz Doesn’t Want You to Know

By now it seems pretty clear that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has a plan to occupy the White House. But he doesn't want people to know too much about it. And he definitely doesn't want you to know about the special interests that have already begun to bankroll his political ambitions. That's why the Texas senator's latest crusade targets the Federal Communications Commission -- and its efforts to better identify the funders of political ads.

read more

The Cost of Connectivity 2013

It costs more to purchase 2 GB of data in a US city than it does in any of the cities surveyed in Europe. The new data, in comparing trends from 2012 to 2013, underscores the extent to which US cities lag behind cities around the world, further emphasizing the need for policy reform. Rather than allowing American cities to fall behind, policymakers should reassess current policy approaches and implement strategies to increase competition, in turn fostering faster speeds and more affordable access.

read more

ACA, Others Defend Petitions to Deny Sinclair Deal

The American Cable Association told the Federal Communications Commission that allowing coordinated retranmissions negotiation are a transition specific harm and the FCC should grant its petition to deny Sinclair's purchase of Allbritton stations in Harrisburg (PA) and Charleston (SC) or condition their sale and subsequent spin-off by disallowing coordinated negotiation.

read more

Updated: The Low Power FM Application Window Is Fast Approaching

In August we had our first of two webinars on how communities and non-profit organizations can apply for new low-power FM radio station licenses during the next window, October 15 – November 14, 2013. The webinar allowed viewers to ask questions directly to Bureau staff. We were delighted to answer many questions during the session and have continued to respond to your inquiries since then. The second webinar will be held on Thursday, October 24.

read more

House committee to debate future of FTC

The four current members of the Federal Trade Commission will testify at a hearing being held by the House Commerce subcommittee on Trade. The hearing -- entitled “The FTC at 100: Where Do We Go from Here?” -- will examine the competition and consumer protection agency’s mission, budget and authority as it enters its second century.

read more

Our tweets are getting shorter

Tweets have been getting shorter and shorter.

read more

US Adults Fare Poorly in a Study of Skills

American adults lag well behind their counterparts in most other developed countries in the mathematical and technical skills needed for a modern workplace.

read more