3-25-13
Much of what the FCC is focused on these days centers around broadband and Television spectrum. Radio has been under the radar, which many broadcasters always look at as a positive. The less government involvement the better. With both Genachowski and Commissioner McDowell stepping down, we asked broadcast attorney John Garziglia about the one major radio issue the Commission was starting to deal with, ownership regulations.
"For most radio broadcasters, the current FCC ownership proceeding has little relevance. There is no suggestion that any of the radio ownership limits would be modified, nor was any change to the AM/FM sub-caps being considered. The proposed ownership changes might allow some radio broadcaster to get into the daily newspaper business. But at least with the radio broadcasters I work with, the prospect of adding a daily newspaper to an ownership portfolio does not inspire excitement. Therefore, I see the Chairman?s resignation as a non-issue with respect to the effect of the ownership proceeding on radio broadcasters."
Here are the five "greatest hits," during Genachowski's time leading the Commission, according to PC Magazine.
#1) Net Neutrality.
Net neutrality is the concept that everyone should have equal access to the Web.
#2) AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
In March 2011, AT&T acquired T-Mobile for $39 billion.
#3) Incentive Auctions
The FCC in 2010 proposed allowing broadcast TV stations to voluntarily sell some of their spectrum for mobile broadband purposes.
#4) Verizon Spectrum Purchase
Verizon Wireless paid $3.6 billion to buy spectrum from three cable firms.
#5) Is Wireless Competitive?
The FCC is required to present a wireless competition report to Congress every year, and in the first 13 years, the FCC consistently found that sufficient competition existed. But to the chagrin of wireless supporters and detractors alike, the commission opted not to make a definitive statement about competition in 2010 and 2011.
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
