The video streaming industry has some new champions in Washington. Former House Energy & Commerce Committee chair Fred Upton, a Republican, and former FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn, a Democrat, will be senior advisers to the newly minted Streaming Innovation Alliance, which will advocate for over-the-top video providers in Washington. Among the new group’s backers are Max, Netflix, Peacock, Paramount Plus, BET Plus, Pluto TV and The Walt Disney Co. The Motion Picture Association played a major role in putting together the alliance.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) has been given the Champion of Public Broadcasting award by America’s Public Television Stations at the group’s annual summit in Washington.
The FCC Should Stay Out Of TV Newsrooms
Among the many things wrong with the commission’s proposed study of local media, the most egregious is its intention to interview newspeople on how they do their jobs. It’s one thing to profile the media in a market to see how it could be opened up to more players. It’s something entirely else to muck around in the editorial decision making of broadcasters and other media. ~~ Also this week, a tip of the cap to Scott Blumenthal of LIN Media who’s retiring after more than 40 years in broadcasting.
Via a Google Hangout, key House committee chairmen Greg Walden (left) and Fred Upton launched a multiyear effort to examine the nation’s communications laws and update them for the Internet era. Former FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell also speaks during the video.
The leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Tuesday asking him to strike the Fairness Doctrine from the agency’s rulebook. The controversial rule, introduced in 1949, required broadcasters to present controversial public issues in a manner deemed fair and balanced by the FCC. The commission concluded in 1987 that the Fairness Doctrine was unconstitutional and pledged to cease enforcing it.
Upton: Auctions Likely In Spectrum Bill
House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) said Wednesday that finding more spectrum to auction for broadband use will be “priority.” He also said that it will “likely include voluntary incentive auctions,” which will require Congress to authorize paying broadcasters and others to give up their spectrum.
Exclusives
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), incoming chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, on Wednesday announced senior staffers under staff director Gary Andres, including the retention of the Communications Subcommittee chief counsel.
Incoming House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton counseled the FCC to not delay a decision on the Comcast-NBCU merger, saying it could create more uncertainty for businesses “looking to invest, innovate and create jobs.”
The knives are out against Fred Upton. Conservative are trying to block the Michigan congressman from becoming the next chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees broadcasting and cable.
