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 Outlines Key Policy Components for National Broadband Plan Success
WASHINGTON -- On Wednesday, Free Press filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission outlining policies that are most critical to the success of the congressionally mandated national broadband plan to bring high-speed Internet to all Americans.
Free Press Argues in Historic Comcast v FCC Case
WASHINGTON -- Free Press will argue in support of the Federal Communications Commission today in the Comcast v. FCC case at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Free Press counsel Marvin Ammori is arguing for Free Press as an "intervenor" in the case on behalf of public interest groups.
Free Press Supports Senator Kerry's Call for an End to Fox-TWC Shenanigans
WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Kerry (D. - Mass.) sent a letter Tuesday morning to FOX and Time Warner Cable urging the companies to place the interest of consumers at the forefront while finalizing negotiations to carry local programming.
In the news
AT&T's IPhone Deal Swamps Network Sparking Consumer Rebellion
Roben Farzad,
BusinessWeek
The rise of the iPhone has left AT&T with a tough set of options. It could upgrade its network, but that would cripple profit. It could charge more for access or limit what customers can do on their phones, but that would enrage the all-you-can-eat subscriber base. It could permanently halt iPhone sales in overcrowded markets, but that would bring more mockery.
Comcast's Fast-Growing Washington Presence
Cecilia Kang,
Washington Post
The tale of Comcast's rise in Washington tracks the story of how the cable giant built its business. In the same way that it aggressively grew its empire by acquiring one cable system after another, the company has methodically added one lobbyist after another and steadily spread more money around the capital as its interests expanded beyond the TV screen.
FCC Gathering Public Input before Ruling on Net Neutrality Issue
Tim Barker,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The Net Neutrality rule-making process is in full stride, having just finished collecting public comments on its proposal. Another round of comments will be allowed through March 5, after which the FCC can decide whether to go forward with the new rules.
