Washington Beat

The tech policy think tank with a mission to "chart a path forward for policymakers towards a bright future where technology enhances freedom, and freedom enhances technology" has asked the nation's highest judicial body to keep the White House's hands off of agencies such as the FCC.

The Communications Forum Luncheon Series, presented by The Media Institute, will kick off its 2026 schedule of gatherings in one month with an appearance from the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty recently took a trip to Utah and Kansas to highlight the "golden age of communications," and she took time to visit the Gray Media-owned CBS affiliate in Kansas' state capital and the headquarters of Bonneville International Corp. in Salt Lake City.

Members of Congress sometimes direct agency decisions or tell agency leaders, “You belong to us. Remember that and you’ll be alright,” laments AEI nonresident senior fellow Mark Jamison. He adds that some agency leaders now openly question whether their independence exists at all. That raises three practical questions for Jamison.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has advanced proposed legislation designed to protect children and teens online — an accomplishment that sees the creation of an act that includes portions of 14 different pieces of intended legislation.

New Commission cybersecurity requirements for the Emergency Alert System take effect on September 29. To help stations understand the new requirements and how to best prepare for compliance, the NAB and the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA) are teaming up.

The bad news for Valleydale Broadcasting LLC is that it is being hit with a fine for failing to get a required document in...

The National Hispanic Media Coalition has handed out Impact Awards to three members of Congress.

The Commission on Sept. 29 will vote on a proposal introduced yesterday by Chairman Tom Wheeler to open set-top cable TV boxes to competition.

Sue Wilson, founder of the non-profit advocacy group Media Action Center, shared with RBR + TVBR details of a settlement with Entercom that awaits final approval from a FCC Administrative Law Judge in Washington. Meanwhile, there's word Ed Stolz is seeking to "un-renew" the licenses for Entercom's remaining Sacramento stations -- even after it make the unprecedented move of surrendering the license for now-defunct KDND-FM.

The FCC's lone Democratic Commissioner, Mignon Clyburn, has found a friend in Congress in support of her quest to have the minority tax certificate returned for radio and TV broadcasters.

Say goodbye to net neutrality as we know it. In a major policy speech delivered this afternoon at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., FCC Chairman Ajit Pai officially unveiled his net neutrality proposals by "restoring internet freedom" through the repeal of Obama-era regulations. Naturally, Pai says such a decision will benefit all Americans. Here's how his new approach, in his view, would do so.

"We interrupt this programming to inform you of threats of law enforcement and for your help in apprehending dangerous suspects." That's a message broadcast media could soon be required to air, thanks to a proposal that would empower local law enforcement with FCC-mandated "Blue Alerts."

In a ruling made Thursday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the FCC may move forward with its return of the so-called "UHF discount" — setting the stage for what could be a flurry of deals akin to Sinclair Broadcast Group's announced acquisition of Tribune Media. Both the NAB and Free Press offered comments on the denial of an emergency stay of the rules.