If you need a break from the "news": CSPAN 3 on FCC Funding

[Norquist Nemesis]

They're questioning Kevin Martin about Imus and shock jocks at the moment. FYI!

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. Chair Serrano: Does the FCC have rules about indecency?

Martin: uhhh, the courts have ruled, uhhh, broadcasters are fighting rulings, uhhh, uhhh, uhhhh, ahhhh,

[KoKo]

2. Thanks for Heads Up! n/t

[Norquist Nemesis]

3. Kilpatrick up now: "The most interesting you've said is...

that the FCC doesn't have authority. That means Congress needs to give you more authority".

YES!!

Interestingly, Martin thinks the cables shouldn't be allowed to keep adding channels and doubling the prices. (YES!!!!) I was shocked, truly!

[KharmaTrain]

4. Thanks For The Updates...

Martin is a tool...but at least a benign one for now.

Ironically, according to FCC rules, what Imus said didn't violate any of those "7 dirty words" or fit into the classification of a "wardrobe malfunction". The game her is to see how close you can get to the edge without crossing over...and that edge is broad. The FCC really has never had the ability to censor content...only to fine or, rarely, revoke, for such infractions.

Cable...they have zero juridisdiction...and Martin is so bought by the cable industry he channels Brian Lamb :rofl:

Now I wonder if he'll be asked about the agency's stance on the proposed XM/Sirius merger...or more de-reg (that's still lurking out there)...or, heaven-forbid, revisiting Telcom '96.

Thank you for the info...