Blogs by Author | Free Press

Arresting Development: Why the Comcast-Netflix Deal Should Worry You
Craig Aaron
S. Derek Turner
February 24, 2014
On Sunday, Netflix agreed to pay Comcast an undisclosed amount to ensure that its videos stream smoothly to Comcast customers. But fans of Francis Underwood’s manipulations on House of Cards might want to temper their celebrations.
We Fight Today for a Better Tomorrow
S. Derek Turner
January 19, 2014
In a world where the owners of the network get to decide what speech flows over the network, will it be possible to organize against injustices that the broader society and powers that be find acceptable?
Reclassification Is Not a Dirty Word
Candace Clement
S. Derek Turner
January 17, 2014
In the wake of Tuesday’s big Net Neutrality announcement, it's time we got serious about the “R” word. And no, we're not talking about “regulation.” The future of the Internet as we know it today is all about “reclassification.”
Wonkblog Gets It Wrong: The FCC's Shrinking Authority Isn't Enough to Save Net Neutrality
S. Derek Turner
Matt Wood
January 16, 2014
In the scrum of responses since Tuesday’s Net Neutrality ruling, a strange claim surfacing has surfaced among D.C. insiders.
A Sorry Moment in the History of American Media
Joseph Torres
S. Derek Turner
December 20, 2013
We just experienced a shameful milestone in the history of U.S. media — and barely anyone noticed. There are now zero black-owned and operated full-power TV stations in our country.
Mixed Messages from Tom Wheeler
Craig Aaron
S. Derek Turner
December 3, 2013
New Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler gave his first major speech on Monday. He described himself as an “an unabashed supporter of competition.” That’s big news since the FCC hasn’t taken the c-word seriously in quite a while.
Defying the Odds to Save the Internet
S. Derek Turner
Timothy Karr
November 18, 2013
It’s rare to see a communications bill that actually serves the public. But a bill Sen. Jay Rockefeller introduced last week is a direct challenge to the cable cabal that controls video watching and Internet access in the United States.
Something's Happening to Local News
Jenn Topper
S. Derek Turner
November 7, 2013
So far this year, 223 local TV stations have changed hands. This is the biggest wave of media consolidation ever — and it's all happening in small and mid-level markets, involving companies most people have never heard of.
Big Open Pipes
S. Derek Turner
June 4, 2013
In 1992, consumers were giving Congress an earful about their cable bills. A decade of deregulation meant cable subscribers had to fend for themselves in a monopoly market where cable TV companies abused their pricing power.
Broadcast, Broadband and Bundle Bloat
S. Derek Turner
May 31, 2013
What’s on tonight? For many Americans, the answer is “nothing worth watching.” Broadcast networks, once the kings of primetime, are in the midst of a historic ratings decline. And though there are some bright spots on the cable dial, the audiences for some cable channels are also dwindling.

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