Benton Foundation

Reform Groups Want FCC to Take on Product Placement Epidemic

Stevie Converse — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:37:21 -0700

Almost two dozen public interest groups have asked the Federal Communications Commission to start a proceeding on what they call "advertainment"—TV programming saturated with product placement.

Interest Groups to FCC: 'Save the Red Lion'

Stevie Converse — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:24:18 -0700

Six public interest groups have sent amici curae briefs to the United States Supreme Court with one message: Whatever you decide about the Federal Communications Commission's new "fleeting expletive" indecency policy, don't reverse the court's Red Lion decision—a crucial component of FCC public interest authority.

GAO Report Questions Stations' Readiness for DTV Transition

Stevie Converse — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:37:56 -0700

The Government Accountability Office released a report Tuesday examining 1) the status of broadcast stations in transitioning to digital, 2) the extent to which broadcast stations are encountering issues, and 3) the actions the Federal Communications Commission has taken to guide broadcasters in the digital transition.

Use Universal Service Fund to Accelerate Transition to Broadband, Benton Tells FCC

Holiday Shapiro — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:20:50 -0700

In comments filed at the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday, the Benton Foundation argues that the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) is a crucial element in reaching the nation's goal of ubiquitous, affordable high-speed Internet service.

Common Cause, Benton Challenge FCC Ownership Change

Stevie Converse — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:43:29 -0700

Yet another challenge has been filed to the Federal Communications Commission's decision to loosen the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rules, a decision that has drawn more fire than an 18-point buck on the first day of hunting season.