Ben Scott, Policy Director
Ben Scott oversees all governmental outreach and regularly testifies before Congress and the FCC. The Washington Post called him a "driving force" in media and technology policy. Before joining Free Press, Ben was a legislative fellow for then-Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Ben has been quoted in publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Salon, and featured as a commentator on MSNBC, BBC, PBS, C-SPAN, NPR and local stations across the country. He is the author of several scholarly articles on American journalism and is co-editor of the books Our Unfree Press and The Future of Media. Ben received his B.S. from Northwestern University, his M.A. from the University of Sussex, and his Ph.D. in communications from the University of Illinois.
Recent press statements
Free Press: Clyburn Is Right -- Competition Is Key to Broadband Adoption, Lower Prices
WASHINGTON -- Today, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn issued a statement urging the Federal Communications Commission to examine competition in the broadband market.
FCC Must Tackle Broadband Competition Head On
WASHINGTON -- Today, just as the Federal Communications Commission is rolling out parts of the National Broadband Plan to bring broadband to more low-income Americans, cable giant Comcast is reportedly raising its rates for Internet service -- including its most basic, lowest priced service.
FCC Needs to Change Cable Policy to Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON -- Cablevision and ABC/Disney are locked in a dispute over the rights of the cable company to carry local programming.
In the news
Broadband Plan Faces Hurdles
Amy Schatz,
Wall Street Journal
Federal regulators detailed a $20 billion, 10-year plan to ensure all U.S. households access to high-speed Internet service, but the proposal faces resistance from industry groups and possible questions from lawmakers over how to pay for it.
Broadband Plan Goes to Congress
Michael Grotticelli,
Broadcast Engineering
The briefings have already begun, as Congress finally gets the FCC's extensive plan for the future of broadband technology this week. The plan will be officially unveiled at the FCC's public meeting on March 16.
Will The National Broadband Plan Come Up Short?
Joel Rose,
National Public Radio
The FCC says its much anticipated national broadband plan, which will be unveiled March 16, will help make Internet access faster, cheaper and more pervasive. Will it do the job or come up short?
