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Full-Text Articles in Communications Law

From Habermas To "Get Rich Or Die Tryin": Hip Hop, The Telecommunications Act Of 1996, And The Black Public Sphere, Akilah N. Folami Jan 2007

From Habermas To "Get Rich Or Die Tryin": Hip Hop, The Telecommunications Act Of 1996, And The Black Public Sphere, Akilah N. Folami

Michigan Journal of Race and Law

This Article explores the manner in which gangsta rappers, who are primarily young urban Black men, navigate the mass media and rap's commercialization of the gangsta image to continue to provide seeds of political expression and resistance to that image. While other scholars have considered the political nature of rap in the context of the First Amendment, this Article's approach is unique in that it is the first to explore such concepts through the lenses of Habermas' ideal public sphere and those of his critics. While many have written gangsta rap off as being commercially co-opted or useless given its …


The 1996 Telecommunications Act: Ten Years Later, Pat Aufderheide Jun 2006

The 1996 Telecommunications Act: Ten Years Later, Pat Aufderheide

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


The Law Of Unintended Consequences, Susan Ness Jun 2006

The Law Of Unintended Consequences, Susan Ness

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Interconnection Policy And Technological Progress, Gerald W. Brock Jun 2006

Interconnection Policy And Technological Progress, Gerald W. Brock

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


No Sight Like Hindsight: The 1996 Act And The View Ten Years Later, Donna N. Lampert Jun 2006

No Sight Like Hindsight: The 1996 Act And The View Ten Years Later, Donna N. Lampert

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Looking Backwards And Looking Forwards In Contemplating The Next Rewrite Of The Communications Act, Johannes M. Bauer, Steven S. Wildman Jun 2006

Looking Backwards And Looking Forwards In Contemplating The Next Rewrite Of The Communications Act, Johannes M. Bauer, Steven S. Wildman

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Swallows, Sausages, And The 1996 Act, Daniel B. Phythyon Jun 2006

Swallows, Sausages, And The 1996 Act, Daniel B. Phythyon

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


The Failure Of Competition Under The 1996 Telecommunications Act, Gene Kimmelman, Mark Cooper, Magda Herra Jun 2006

The Failure Of Competition Under The 1996 Telecommunications Act, Gene Kimmelman, Mark Cooper, Magda Herra

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Rivalrous Telecommunications Networks With And Without Mandatory Sharing, Thomas W. Hazlett Jun 2006

Rivalrous Telecommunications Networks With And Without Mandatory Sharing, Thomas W. Hazlett

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


The 1996 Telecommunications Act, Jim Robbins Jun 2006

The 1996 Telecommunications Act, Jim Robbins

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


The Greatest Story Never Told: How The 1996 Telecommunications Act Helped To Transform Cable's Future, Brian L. Roberts Jun 2006

The Greatest Story Never Told: How The 1996 Telecommunications Act Helped To Transform Cable's Future, Brian L. Roberts

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Politics And Telecommunications, Larry Pressler Jun 2006

Politics And Telecommunications, Larry Pressler

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


A Public Interest Perspective On The Impact Of The Broadcasting Provisions Of The 1996 Act, Angela J. Campbell Jun 2006

A Public Interest Perspective On The Impact Of The Broadcasting Provisions Of The 1996 Act, Angela J. Campbell

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Ten Years Under The 1996 Telecommunications Act, Reed Hundt Jun 2006

Ten Years Under The 1996 Telecommunications Act, Reed Hundt

Federal Communications Law Journal

Keynote speech delivered at the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Ten Years Later Symposium, February 6, 2006, George Washington University.


Section 202(H) Of The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: Beware Of Intended Consequences, Andrew Jay Schwartzman, Harold Feld, Parul Desai Jun 2006

Section 202(H) Of The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: Beware Of Intended Consequences, Andrew Jay Schwartzman, Harold Feld, Parul Desai

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Transformation: The 1996 Act Reshapes Radio, Christopher H. Sterling Jun 2006

Transformation: The 1996 Act Reshapes Radio, Christopher H. Sterling

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


Endangered Species, Lassoes, And Unmet Promises, Kathleen Wallman Jun 2006

Endangered Species, Lassoes, And Unmet Promises, Kathleen Wallman

Federal Communications Law Journal

No abstract provided.


'Wi-Fi'ght Them When You Can Join Them? How The Philadelphia Compromise May Have Saved Municipally-Owned Telecommunications Services, Adam Christensen Jun 2006

'Wi-Fi'ght Them When You Can Join Them? How The Philadelphia Compromise May Have Saved Municipally-Owned Telecommunications Services, Adam Christensen

Federal Communications Law Journal

When the Mayor of Philadelphia announced his plan to provide municipally sponsored Wi-Fi Internet access, Verizon, the incumbent telecommunications service provider organized lobbyists to block the plan. The compromise eventually struck between Pennsylvania municipalities and Verizon, which allows municipalities to offer telecommunications services after giving Verizon a right of first refusal has resulted in a certain degree of uncertainty in the future of municipally sponsored Internet access. This Note examines this compromise and argues that it represents an optimistic future for municipally sponsored telecommunications services. The Note first discusses the history of Wi-Fi technology and the development of the law …


Telric Vs. Universal Service: A Takings Violation?, Stuart Buck Dec 2003

Telric Vs. Universal Service: A Takings Violation?, Stuart Buck

Federal Communications Law Journal

While the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has had a profound positive impact on many sectors of the communications industry in the United States, local phone companies have recently faced a serious dilemma under a provision of the Act known as TELRIC. In this article, Stuart Buck presents a current analysis of the position of the telephone company and its struggle to meet costs under the TELRIC structure. The author argues that by forcing regional phone operators to grant wholesale pricing to competitors under TELRIC, while simultaneously maintaining Universal Service requirements of reduced-rate phone access to remote customers, the local phone …


From Diversity To Duplication: Mega-Mergers And The Failure Of The Marketplace Model Under The Telecommunications Act Of 1996, Anastasia Bednarski Mar 2003

From Diversity To Duplication: Mega-Mergers And The Failure Of The Marketplace Model Under The Telecommunications Act Of 1996, Anastasia Bednarski

Federal Communications Law Journal

"Mega-owners" in the radio regime became possible with the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which radically deregulated national and local radio station ownership limits that had been in existence for almost sixty years. The Act reflected Congress's firm belief that a deregulated marketplace would best serve the public interest. This Note argues that the 1996 Act is an example of excessive adherence to the marketplace model, particularly for regulating the radio industry. The Author argues that although a less extreme marketplace model has guided the FCC's regulation of radio since the early 1980s, the current incarnation of the marketplace model is …


The Concrete Barrier At The End Of The Information Superhighway: Why Lack Of Local Rights-Of-Way Access Is Killing Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, Christopher R. Day May 2002

The Concrete Barrier At The End Of The Information Superhighway: Why Lack Of Local Rights-Of-Way Access Is Killing Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, Christopher R. Day

Federal Communications Law Journal

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 contained the promise of a deregulated national telecommunications market with unfettered competition in both the local and long-distance telecommunications markets. Unfortunately, five years after the Act was signed, competition in local telephony is still not a reality in many areas. While some of the blame may be placed on failed business models and the withdrawal of venture capital from the market, a series of regulatory failures have also served to create an inhospitable environment for competitive local exchange carriers. One of the areas where this failure has been most evident is in governmental failure to …


Smut On The Small Screen: The Future Of Cable-Based Adult Entertainment Following United States V. Playboy Entertainment Group, Bradley A. Skafish Mar 2002

Smut On The Small Screen: The Future Of Cable-Based Adult Entertainment Following United States V. Playboy Entertainment Group, Bradley A. Skafish

Federal Communications Law Journal

This Note argues that the most important aspect of Playboy is the Court's determination that cable television is not analogous to broadcast media. Provided it withstands the test of time, this distinction allows the cable industry to avoid the more stringent regime placed upon broadcast media. The Playboy decision also shows the Court's willingness to invalidate laws even when they serve a compelling interest and impose less restrictions than a complete ban. Members of the Court differed on whether "signal bleed" actually constituted an influence harmful to children. This discrepancy evinces a significant disagreement on where lines should be drawn …


Strategies To Promote Advanced Telecommunications Capabilities, Bob Rowe Mar 2000

Strategies To Promote Advanced Telecommunications Capabilities, Bob Rowe

Federal Communications Law Journal

Section 706 instructs both the FCC and state public utility commissions to promote deployment of advanced telecommunications capabilities. Much policy discussion of broadband access to date has focused on rearguing preexisting telecommunications policy debates, and has not produced significant incremental deployment of ATCs. ATC issues are much more diverse and specific than is commonly assumed, potentially requiring a menu of strategies to resolve. The "cooperative federalist" structure of the Telecommunications Act provides important context and guidance for implementing section 706. A Federal-State Joint Conference or task force would be a cooperative federalist vehicle for identifying ATC issues, developing strategies to …


A Birthday Party: The Terrible Or Terrific Two’S? 1996 Federal Telecommunications Act, Kathleen Wallman Dec 1998

A Birthday Party: The Terrible Or Terrific Two’S? 1996 Federal Telecommunications Act, Kathleen Wallman

Federal Communications Law Journal

As we celebrate the second anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we can see that the predictions of instant cross-industry competition that were made at its birth were rather euphoric. Despite the unexpected twists and turns of the first two years, there have been a number of significant market developments suggesting that the lowering of barriers that the Act effected have put things on the right course. However, the success of the Act will be rather fragile during the next few years, as it is subject to reversal by market as well as judicial forces. We should therefore continue …


"Chilling" The Internet? Lessons From Fcc Regulation Of Radio Broadcasting , Thomas W. Hazlett, David W. Sosa Jun 1998

"Chilling" The Internet? Lessons From Fcc Regulation Of Radio Broadcasting , Thomas W. Hazlett, David W. Sosa

Michigan Telecommunications & Technology Law Review

Congress included the Communications Decency Act (CDA) in the Telecommunications Act signed into law on February 8, 1996. The bill seeks to outlaw the use of computers and phone lines to transmit "indecent" material with provisions of jail terms and heavy fines for violators. Proponents of the bill argue it is necessary to protect minors from undesirable speech on the Internet. The CDA was immediately challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union, and the special 3-judge federal panel established to hear the case recently declared the Act unconstitutional. Yet, its ultimate adjudication remains in doubt. Ominously, the federal …


The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: Codifying The Digital Divide, Allen S. Hammond Iv Dec 1997

The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: Codifying The Digital Divide, Allen S. Hammond Iv

Federal Communications Law Journal

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 purports to ensure every American eventual access to advanced telecommunications networks and services, and more immediate access to basic telephone networks and services. This access is essential because it determines the ease with which Americans can acquire an education, obtain employment, control financial affairs, access emergency assistance, and participate in the political process. The interpretation and implementation of the 1996 Act is critical because there is an imminent danger that a large portion of society— in inner cities, near suburbs, and small towns— not be connected to the "national electronic nervous system." To ensure that …


Whither Unregulated Access Competition?, Clayton C. Miller Dec 1997

Whither Unregulated Access Competition?, Clayton C. Miller

Federal Communications Law Journal

Book Review: Universal Service: Competition, Interconnection, and Monopoly in the Making of the American Telephone System, by Milton L. Mueller, Jr., MIT Press and AEI Press, 1997, 191 pages.


Section 254 Of The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: A Hidden Tax?, Nichole L. Millard Dec 1997

Section 254 Of The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: A Hidden Tax?, Nichole L. Millard

Federal Communications Law Journal

Congress has the sole power to levy and collect taxes. The Supreme Court has ruled that Congress may delegate this authority to administrative agencies so long as the will of Congress is clearly defined in the legislation. However, section 254 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 operates as an unconstitutional delegation of Congress' authority to tax. This legislation provides the FCC with unfettered discretion in defining the boundaries of universal service and the authority to mandate that all consumers of telecommunications services subsidize the cost for low-income and rural consumers, as well as schools, libraries, and health care providers.


Telecommunications Act Of 1996: 704 Of The Act And Protections Afforded The Telecommunications Provider In The Facilities Sitting Context, The, Peter M. Degnan, Scott A. Mclaren, Michael T. Tennant Jun 1997

Telecommunications Act Of 1996: 704 Of The Act And Protections Afforded The Telecommunications Provider In The Facilities Sitting Context, The, Peter M. Degnan, Scott A. Mclaren, Michael T. Tennant

Michigan Telecommunications & Technology Law Review

The Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed into law by President Clinton in February, addresses, among many other important subjects, some of the technical problems that have arisen from the increasing popularity of mobile communications. This article will provide an overview of the Act and will focus specifically on the protections afforded a telecommunications provider in § 704 of the Act.


Digital Television And The Allure Of Auctions: The Birth And Stillbirth Of Dtv Legislation, Ellen P. Goodman Apr 1997

Digital Television And The Allure Of Auctions: The Birth And Stillbirth Of Dtv Legislation, Ellen P. Goodman

Federal Communications Law Journal

Although relatively few provisions of the 1996 Telecommunication Act relate to digital broadcast television, these provisions have contributed to the ongoing debate over assignment of spectrum for DTV uses. Attention to the disputed issues of DTV has accentuated the differences between methods of spectrum management: how spectrum should be assigned among various services and users, and what roles the FCC and Congress should play. Two camps have emerged from the controversy: one viewing spectrum as a commodity that should be assigned by auction, the other viewing spectrum as a resource that must be allocated according to strict technical criteria and …