A year ago, the FCC passed rules requiring the major broadcast networks and cable TV stations provide a special description service that would narrate the action of their programming for the visually impaired. OTM’s Neal Carruth reports.

A federal appellate court this week overturned the FCC regulation that had prevented cable companies from owning a television broadcaster in the same market. Big media broadcasters say the rule was outdated, but consumer advocates are up in arms. Brooke hears from both sides: Consumer’s Union lawyer Chris Murray, and ...

For decades, major broadcasters have lobbied to end FCC regulations limiting a media company’s size and market coverage. Now at least one corporation has found a pretext to push for more deregulation. Viacom president Mel Karmazin recently suggested that the first war of the 21st century had a “silver lining” ...

Portland, Oregon public radio station KBOO made a boo-boo a couple of weeks ago after playing the song “Revolution,” a feminist track with explicit lyrics. One angry listener resulted in one large FCC fine. Brooke talks to First Amendment lawyer Marjorie Heins about America’s ever-changing standard of decency.

Broadcasters who are mindful of the FCC, know not to say the 7 dirty words. But beyond that rule lays an unregulated landscape of souble entendres and 4th grade slang, full of regulatory tripwires.The FCC lent a guiding hand to shock jocks and other broadcasters last week, when it presented ...

Now that the demonstrably liberal FCC Chairman has been replaced by the decidedly conservative Michael Powell -- big media sees a chance to cast off some of the ownership restraints that have up till now held back the tide of conglomeration. Brooke talks with Bill McConnell of Broadcasting & Cable.

This month the FCC passed rules requiring the video industry to provide described video for the blind. While resistance from the video industry was anticipated, opposition from members of the blind community was not. On The Media’s Neal Carruth reports.