Other Issues - Telecommunications

Telecommunications

Public Broadcasting

On November 3, 2005, CPB Chair Ken Tomlinson resigns six months after Democrats ask for an investigation into whether the Corporation for Public Broadcasting had violated a law prohibiting interference by Federal officials into content or distribution of programming. In recent days, the CPB board has met to consider the Inspector General's initial investigative findings.
Press Release

On July 1, 2005, Rep. Waxman joined his Democratic colleagues to encourage Kenneth Tomlinson, Chairman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, to resign amidst the politicization of America's most trusted media network.
Letter

On June 21, 2005, Rep. Waxman joined his Democratic colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to urge House Appropriators to restore full funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Letter

The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004

Rep. Waxman’s March 11, 2004 statement on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 3717, “The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004.”
Statement

Rep. Waxman’s March 3, 2004 statement in the House Energy and Commerce Committee in opposition to H.R. 3717, “The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004.”
Statement

Media Ownership Rules

On August 1, 2006, Rep. Waxman, along with 83 of his House colleagues, writes the FCC regarding our nation’s broadcast media ownership rules. They strongly urge the FCC to debate any potential changes in media ownership rules in an open and public manner, and allow the greatest level of public participation possible while making such crucial decisions.
Letter

On June 7, 2006, Rep. Waxman and his colleagues on the Future of American Media Caucus wrote to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission asking the FCC to strengthen existing rules and not further damage an already weak structure intended to protect diversity in American broadcasting. Any action on media ownership similar to what was proposed by the FCC in 2003 would be an unmitigated disaster. Rep. Waxman is deeply concerned about the impact that further media consolidation would have upon our democracy. The FCC should fulfill its intended role as a strong defender of diversity in broadcasting.
Letter

On June 2, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to significantly weaken media ownership rules, which for decades have served to preserve localism, diversity, and independence in the media. Rep. Waxman is strongly opposed to consolidation in media and has fought the effort to weaken the rules, which could leave a small number of media giants in control of our nation’s news and entertainment.

Rep. Waxman cosponsored legislation and joined with other concerned Members of Congress in contacting FCC Chairman Michael Powell to urge that the existing rules be maintained. He will pursue every legislative opportunity to rescind the FCC’s new rules and do all he can to protect the free flow of information and exchange of diverse viewpoints, which are critical to the health of our democracy.

Letters
May 22, 2003

May 13, 2003

Legislation
H.Res. 218

H.R. 2052