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Our computers hold delicate personal documents, sensitive medical information and even confidential sources. So can border authorities search hard drives as freely as they search make-up bags? Adam Liptak, national legal correspondent for The New York Times, explains that a string of court cases may determine what protections (if any) extend to our data.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin helped push through two rulings this week - despite opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, pro-business lobbyists, media watchdogs and all of his fellow commissioners. Jim Puzzanghera of the Los Angeles Times says the contentious rulings reflect Martin's go-it-alone style.
It’s been a busy week at the FCC. In a decision which affects millions of cable subscribers, they ruled against exclusive deals between cable companies and apartment owners. They also held public hearings on media consolidation. Broadcasting and Cable’s John Eggerton explains the stakes.
A bill offering a federal shield law just might go to the House floor for a vote this week. Which means that U.S. journalists are closer than ever to having legal protection for their conversations with sources. New York Times reporter Adam Liptak explains.
When the FCC devised new rules for some cell phone carriers this week there was an 800 lb. search engine in the room. Why would Google want to free you from your restrictive cell phone contract? Media professor Siva Vaidhyanathan explains how the internet giant is following the web wherever it leads.
This week, a NYC court ruled against the FCC and in favor of the broadcast networks in a case that centered on “fleeting expletives,” uttered by the likes of Nicole Richie and President Bush, among others. Is this a free speech victory or a cultural loss? Parents Television Council President Tim Winter says the verdict was a big disappointment.
In a three part order issued last week, the Federal Communications Commission levied the largest fines ever against broadcast stations for airing “indecent content.” The biggest blow was a $3.6 million fine for implied sexual situations on the CBS drama “Without a Trace.” Bob speaks with Democratic Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, who dissented from large portions of the majority decision, but stands by the government’s right to protect against the most egregious trespasses.
One of the many shows singled out by the FCC in its recent indecency report was, it should come as no surprise, "NYPD Blue". The show ultimately avoided fines because it predates the current standards but the commission’s opinion did cite it for using language and situations that were “shocking, explicit and gratuitous.” Steven Bochco, creator of the series, joins Bob to engage in an adult conversation about art imitating life.
