Consumers Union

Media Minutes: November 14, 2008

candace — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:24:42 -0800

Verizon Wireless' purchase of rural wireless carrier Alltel has been approved. And public interest groups are concerned about the consequences for consumers. And a new Nielsen study refutes one of broadcasters' main arguments for more media consolidation.

Media Minutes (2008-11-14)

candace — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:23:52 -0800

Verizon Wireless’ purchase of rural wireless carrier Alltel has been approved. And public interest groups are concerned about the consequences for consumers. And a new Nielsen study refutes one of the broadcasters’ main arguments for more media consolidation.

Dolly Parton Joins Turf Fight over White Space

Holiday Shapiro — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:13:24 -0700

Comcast Appeals FCC Web Traffic-Blocking Decision

Holiday Shapiro — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:44:07 -0700

Wilmington, N.C., Ready for Switch to Digital TV

Stevie Converse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:21:24 -0700

Cell Phone Users Fight Contract Fees

Stevie Converse — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:28:11 -0700

Dissatisfied customers in several states have filed class-action lawsuits against cell phone companies for contract cancellation fees. Jeff Tyler reports to protect themselves, the cell phone industry wants immunity from the FCC.

To listen to the story, click here.

TEXT OF STORY

Plan to Trim Cell Phone Cancellation Fees Draws Criticism

Stevie Converse — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:38:24 -0700

A wireless industry proposal under consideration by the government that would make it easier for cell phone customers to break up with their service providers was met with withering criticism by consumer advocates on Wednesday.

Consumer Groups Urge FCC to Reject XM-Sirius Merger

Stevie Converse — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:33:05 -0700

The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Free Press are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject the proposed XM-Sirius merger.

Consumer Groups Urge the FCC to Reject XM-Sirius Merger

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:54:28 -0700

The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Free Press are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject the proposed XM-Sirius merger. The Department of Justice signed off on the deal without attaching any conditions to protect consumers.

Tale of Two Satellite Radio Firms

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:05:16 -0700

Losses grew at XM and shrunk at Sirius, the satellite radio firms said Monday in announcing what they hope will be their final quarterly financial reports as stand-alone companies.

Consumer Groups Push Issue on XM-Sirius

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:12:54 -0700

As the Federal Communications Commission continues to consider whether or not to allow XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, the nation's two satellite-radio companies, to become one, a group of consumers groups wrote the agency putting in its pitch for "or not."

Consumers Having Problems with Digital TV Converter Coupons

Stevie Converse — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:33:57 -0700

Consumers Union is calling on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Congress to address the problem of the 90-day expiration date on the government-issued coupons that help consumers buy digital converter boxes.

Murdoch Taking on FCC Media Rule

Stevie Converse — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:53:57 -0700

As he nears completion of a deal to acquire Newsday from the Tribune Company, Rupert Murdoch appears likely to pose the first significant challenge to the media ownership rule that the Federal Communications Commission recently adopted.

Consumer Groups Urge 'Do Not Track' Registry

Holiday Shapiro — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:25:39 -0700

Two consumer groups asked the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday to create a "do not track list" that would allow computer users to bar advertisers from collecting information about them. The Consumer Federation of America and the Consumers Union also urged the FTC to bar collection of health information and other sensitive data by companies that do business on the Internet unless a consumer consents.

700 MHz Auction: No Lease Demanded, Public Safety Group Says

Stevie Converse — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:27:06 -0700

The company advising a public safety group on the recently concluded 700MHz spectrum auction at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has denied that it demanded lease payments from potential winning bidders for a piece of that spectrum.

FCC Asked to Probe Auction

Stevie Converse — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:39:00 -0700

The failure of a Federal Communications Commission auction to draw sufficient bids to build a wireless network for emergency responders provoked sharp criticism by members of Congress, consumer groups and leaders of the 9/11 Commission yesterday. It also prompted a call to investigate whether auction rules were broken.