Consumer Protection Law Commons^™

Technology Convergence And Federalism: Who Should Decide The Future Of Telecommunications Regulation?, Daniel A. Lyons

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This Article critically examines the division of regulatory jurisdiction over telecommunications issues between the federal government and the states. Currently, the line between federal and state jurisdiction varies depending on the service at issue. This compartmentalization might have made sense fifteen years ago, but the advent of technology convergence has largely rendered this model obsolete. Yesterday's telephone and cable companies now compete head-to-head to offer consumers the vaunted "triple play" of voice, video, and internet services. But these telecommunications companies are finding it increasingly difficult to fit new operations into arcane, rigid regulatory compartments. Moreover, services that consumers view as …

Flag On The Play? The Siphoning Effect On Sports Television, Phillip M. Cox Ii

Federal Communications Law Journal

The tradition of watching the Sunday afternoon football game in front of the television began in 1939. Since then, sports broadcasting has become one of the most powerful revenue-building tools for both media and sports leagues alike. Sports programming is increasingly available only through cable and pay-per-view television, which limits viewers' access to free broadcast televised sporting events. Legislators have now directed the Federal Communications Commission to study the effects of paid access to sports broadcasts, with an eye toward protecting viewers' rights to free access to sports on television.

This Note explains the impact of the Sports Broadcasting Act …