Abstract This paper explores the FederalCommunicationsCommission. It begins with a brief history and the current structure of the Agency. The paper then discusses the functions of the Agency and the current problems and successes the Agency is experiencing. Lastly, it overviews the method of information dissemination for Agency, and the important information products available.
From the Paper "The Communications Act of 1934 established the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This independent United States government agency is directly responsible to Congress, and is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications, including: radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC has jurisdiction over all 50 states, the District of Columbia and American possessions ("About the FCC", 2006). The FCC was a replacement for the Federal Radio Commission, which was a temporary agency established in 1927. As mentioned, the FCC was created by the Communications Act of 1934, which was enacted by Congress on June 19th, 1934. It "consolidated, on a permanent basis, regulatory authority over all interstate broadcasting and wire communications, including telephone and telegraph" (Longley, 2006)."
Abstract This paper explains that the FederalCommunicationsCommission (FCC)
is created, directed and empowered by the Congressional statute and is answerable only to the United States Congress; its responsibility is regulating the radio spectrum for the non-governmental use of radio and television broadcasting and all forms of telecommunication such as wireless, satellite, cable and the internet. The author points out that the FCC is criticized for being both too restrictive and permissive causing several hardships to the general public and to the service providers such as delaying the licensing of new projects thereby making the use of new technologies risky. The paper relates that a positive role played by the agency is safe guarding the societal interests controlling the use of electromagnetic waves, popularly known as radio spectrum, which have emerged as one of important secondary needs of the human society along with electricity and the motorcar.
Table of Contents
The FederalCommunicationsCommission (FCC)
Critical Analysis of the Functioning of FCC Positive Aspects of FCC Conclusion
From the Paper "The commission is governed by a group of five commissioners appointed by the President of the United States and approved by the senate for a five-year term. One of the commissioners, nominated by the President officiates as the Chirman of the commission. Ten staff Offices and six operating Bureaus under the overall supervision of the office of the Managing Director, assist the commissioners in executing the responsibilities like processing of applications for licenses and other filings, analyzing complaints, conducting investigations, developing and implementing regulatory programs, and taking part in hearings based on judicial disputes arising in the use of radio spectrum."
Abstract This paper explains what the new regulations of the FCC (FederalCommunicationsCommission) are. The paper shows how the FCC has recently authorized novel mergers amid media corporations and that adversaries of the novel set of laws are expecting Congress to build no less than a temporary halt for such contracts and set of laws.
Contents
Introduction
Relationship and Authority between the FCC and Congress
Against the FCC rules
For the FCC Rules
Conclusion
From the Paper "The novel FCC regulations intimidate Congress for the reason that they might add to the financial resources, as well as manpower that media corporations can spend in dealing with the news, counting the mischief of politicians, and they would reduce the aptitude of politicians to have an effect on news reporting. This is why the FCC sketched condemnation from such ideologically varied lawmakers as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.). Huge, varied media companies could more powerfully analyze members of Congress, and could in addition offer more incisive reporting of influential special interest groups."
Abstract The paper shows that although the federal government and ? far more importantly the consumer ? may not like a monopoly, large companies have many advantages and so tend to keep reemerging. The author discusses how the entire world of telecommunications ? and certainly the history of AT&T itself ? would no doubt have been written very differently if the United States government had not twice intervened in the workings of the company. This paper examines the role of the FederalCommunicationsCommission in breaking up AT&T and what have been the consequences both to consumers and to the technology of the industry as a result.
From the Paper "AT&T's self-imposed dismantling (at least to some extent self-imposed, for company officials did originate the plan to spin off the Baby Bells) was the largest corporate breakup in history. It provided both legal and cultural precedents for the lawsuit against Microsoft that the federal government is engaged in currently.
"The fact that the company was able each time to recover so quickly merely demonstrates the need for the Federal Communications Commission oversight of this industry. The world today runs on information, and none of us can afford to have that flow of information limited or held hostage by the monopolistic practices of any single company."
Abstract Microbroadcasters are citizens who put low-powered radio stations on the air without a license from the FederalCommunicationsCommission (FCC). The paper discusses the reasons and the history behind these acts of civil disobedience.
From the Paper "Noam Chomsky the leading American critic said in one of his interviews that "where there is even a pretense of democracy communications are at its heart". (Chomsky, 2002) Given the present situation of our society, however it is no surprise that we find communication not at the heart of a vibrant democracy, but rather under the heal of an oppressive and contradictory system of commercialism, censorship, and control. "
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of the FCC's recent rule changes regarding broadcast ownership in the United States. Specifically, it will discuss what is involved, the arguments on both sides of the issue, and the relative relationship and authority between the FCC and Congress in this dispute.
From the Paper "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently issued new rules regarding broadcast ownership in America today, and the rules have generated great controversy since they were announced. Basically, the "FCC's rules make it easier for media corporations to buy more newspapers and television stations but tighten radio ownership rules" (Ahrens). Many critics of the new rules believe that allowing huge media corporations to buy even more newspapers and television stations would not only create a monopoly on the media in many areas, it would create a large lack of independent thought in the news and media. With a few large media corporations controlling essentially all of the media in many areas, free thought and expression would be replaced with a corporate spin on all the news available in the area. Before the FCC passed the new rules, millions of Americans voiced their displeasure over the new rules by writing letters and sending petitions to Washington, however, the FCC chose to ignore the pleas of the citizens, and OK'd the new rules in spite of the growing voice against them."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed exploration of the recent FCC decisions concerning media and the percentage of ownership companies are allowed to have. The writer examines the issues, the decisions, and the Congressional intervention following public outcry about those decisions.
From the Paper "One of the things that makes America great, according to many experts, is the diversity of the media. While one media source may be extremely conservative, another source may be more liberal. It is this balance of sides that has made the nation's media the solid source that it is today. Media has been depended on for many generations as a source of information. While most people are aware that the media is biased in its presentation there have always been stopgaps in place to prevent a controlling bias. One of the stop gaps that has been in place for many years was the mandate prohibiting any one media company from owning a large percentage of the television market."
Abstract Examines the impact of the Federal Trade Commission's doctrine and its effects. Discusses the impact the Fairness Doctrine has had on society from a political, social, and legal perspective. Discusses the history of the FCC doctrine, and the purpose of the Doctrine in balancing views on controversial issues.
From the Paper "The Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters in television and radio, as a condition of getting their licenses from the FCC, to cover controversial issues within their community by offering some ..."
Abstract This paper explains that the FTC acts as a watchdog to protect Americans from abuses otherwise possible in our free enterprise system; by preventing monopolies and price-fixing, the FTC encourages free trade and a fair marketplace. The author describes the case against the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association, which represent 90% of the chiropractors in Wisconsin, of conspiring to force health care providers to pay higher rates for chiropractic services than they had previously paid. The paper relates that the settlement forbids the WCA from participate any further in any kind of price fixing, as well as telling others to engage in price fixing.
From the Paper "Specific limits were placed on what the WCA could and could not do, including careful control of any surveys taken, since a survey had been used to help the conspiracy meet its goals. Specific protections were put in place to make it easier for the FTC to make sure the WCA complied with the terms of the agreement. It should be noted that the fact that the parties agreed to the FTC ruling did not mean that any individual acknowledged any actual guilt."
Abstract This paper examines how and why certain ads are accepted or rejected by the media while also delving into who ultimately decides which ads are broadcast to the viewing public. The writer of this paper focuses on the most recent Super Bowl which was broadcast on the CBS television network while detailing the reasons behind two specific ads which were rejected due to their content. This paper delves into the First Amendment to the Constitution and its relevance to this particular topic. The paper also analyzes the rules and regulations stipulated by the FederalCommunicationsCommission and its resulting impact on the advertising industry as a whole.
From the Paper "Although the Super Bowl is a public event that is the most watched TV program, it is a privately produced show and the choice of what ads to run rests with the network, a private company. Once CBS network bought the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl it had First Amendment rights to choose what it would or would not broadcast. Under the First Amendment CBS has the right to exercise its editorial judgment regarding the content of Super Bowl ads."
Abstract This paper discusses, summarizes and analyzes "McConnel v. Federal Election Commission", which has its roots in twentieth century campaign reform. The paper explains that the Supreme Court was split on its interpretation of "McConnel v. Federal Election Commission" and that it was a division clearly defined by priorities of protection - protecting either the sanctity of the elections that allow for the government to run, or the system of laws that allow for the execution it provides.
From the Paper "The judicial branch has a long taken responsibility for judging the constitutional viability of congressional acts to curb the corruption capable in campaigns, recognizing that their review standard needed to not only meet the absolute doctrinal lines, but the spirit behind them that guides the country; id est, the Supreme Court is responsible for insuring that while Congress tries to regulate their own elections, they do not under-regulate to the point that it might be possible for corruption to exist or even seem to exist and they do not over-regulate to the point that the basic freedoms provided to those tax paying, election-contributing constituents are not suppressed."
Abstract This paper examines and evaluates the impact that international broadcasting has had on the cultural, political, and economical landscape of society. These factors are examined in terms of the impacts affected by law, communication, advertising or public relations.
Outline
Introduction
A New Era in the FederalCommunicationsCommission Time Periods Inclusive of the Radio Age
The United States was not the Leader of the Pack in the Beginning
1920 - 1934 Radio Industries Beginning
1935 - 1950: Exchanges and Advances in the Radio Industry
Radio Broadcasting on an International Basis
The Mission of the Public Broadcasting Network
Conclusion
From the Paper "Broadcasting has greatly impacted society on an international level and has affected every aspect of life in terms of economically, politically and socially as well as spurring developments in the field of the law, revenues in advertising and advances beyond the wildest dreams of the originators of broadcasting in terms of communications. The once very large world is much smaller due to broadcasting advances and news that took days and even weeks or months to make the rounds is now heard simultaneously throughout the entire globe. Certainly broadcasting on an international basis has propelled globalization and just may have even given birth to the global society in existence today."
From the Paper The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority over much of consumers' daily lives, including the advertising consumers are exposed to and the rules and regulations governing credit cards. This research provides an overview of the FTC, including a short history of the Commission, its responsibilities and functions, the industries it regulates, and the Commission's role and effect on the credit card industry.
The Federal Trade Commission was founded in 1914 to maintain competitive enterprise in the American economic system. The FTC is charged with preventing the free enterprise system from being fettered by monopoly or restraints on trade, or corrupted by unfair or deceptive trade practices. Specifically, the Federal Trade commission Act prohibits the use in commerce of "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or ... "
Abstract This paper begins with a brief look at the history of the Federal Reserve, explaining when and why it came into being as well as the broader economic and financial purpose of the bank. Next, the paper takes a look at the significance of the role of the chairman of the Federal Reserve and the policy instruments that the Federal Reserve uses to influence various economic activities. Finally, the paper presents reasons why the privatization of the Federal Reserve System would spell economic doom for the U.S.
From the Paper "The Central Bank, better known as The Federal Reserve System, is and has been by law independent of all governmental agencies. This is most assuredly how it should be and should remain. It doesn't take a great deal of memory cells to recall the financial activities of the last three men to occupy the White House. One would need a great deal of imagination to figure out what sort of fiscal shape our nation would be in if by some quirk of fate The Federal Reserve System's control could be turned over to the political control of either the Executive or Legislative Branches of the Government."
Abstract This paper presents a comparison between the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the Inter-American Commission. The writer provides an overview of each of the commissions and discusses the duties they are each charged with performing. The paper compares the two to each other and leads a discussion about their similarities and their differences. This paper describes the benefits of globalization in efforts for equal treatment for all citizens of the world.
From the Paper "The process of globalization has brought the world closer together than ever before. It is a process that melts away the walls of yesteryear and encourages the interaction between different cultures, peoples and societies. With this newly meshed ability the world is seeing first hand that there are differences in the treatment of humans in different places. The mistreatment of humans has come to light more often recently as the walls of the nations come down in the rush to globalize and benefit in the business world."
