Month: January 2001

More on the new likely head of the FCC, Michael Powell: A Wired News story says that Powell “told an audience at the Consumer Electronics Show that the FCC should take a back seat to industry and Congress in monitoring the market. Or does he mean that the FCC should take it in the back…

More mainstream press coverage of the WBAI fracas. This time it’s a column in New York Newsday titled “Why WBAI Should Be ‘Left’ Alone by Pacifica.”

Today’s show — a year-end wrap up with guest John Anderson of the Pirate/Free Radio Page at About.com — is now available for listening on-line. It requires Real Player to listen.Click here to listen to this week’s show.

The New York Times reports on Saturday’s protest against Pacifica outside the studios of NYC station WBAI. “A few hundred” protestors showed up to speak out against what has been called the “Christmas Coup” at WBAI, where Pacifica management fired the station’s manager, program director, and other staff, with no formal statement of reason. For…

Reuters reports that the FCC wants to reallocate some gov’t only spectrum space for new wireless devices.How come the FCC can get mobilized behind getting us wireless video on a wristwatch, but teeth have to be pulled to free up or create just a little more space for plain ol’ radio broadcasting? Oh, right, there…

There is a new unlicensed low-power radio station in Springfield, IL according to the State Journal-Register. The station, calling itself WY2K, is operating at 100 mw on 1690 AM, so that, theoretically, it is within the part 15 range not requiring a license. However, it will be interesting to see if the FCC chooses to…

Wired News reports that Michael Powell, Gen. Colin Powell’s son, is the likely new head of the FCC. Powell has said he favors a “hands-off” approach to regulation, and disfavors the FCC getting involved in corporate mergers like AOL/Time-Warner. Powell’s approach will likely be a turnaround from that of current chair William Kennard, who, while…

On Sunday’s Show (1/7/00): John Anderson of the pirate/free radio page at About.com will be my guest for a wrap-up on the year in free radio, low power FM, and the movement for greater media democracy. You can tune in live on the ‘net at 10:00 am CST at the WEFT website, or check back…