In Other News: FCC Gets a New Chairman
Julius Genachowski has been confirmed by the Senate as the new head of the FCC, TheWrap reports. He is expected to be sworn in next week.
FCC
Philadelphia’s WPVI Gets Temporary Power Boost
ABC’s WPVI in Philadelphia was granted permission from the FCC for a temporary power boost to alleviate the reception problems local viewers have faced since the digital switchover, Broadcasting & Cable says. The temporary boost should improve urban reception. –Elizabeth…
Genachowski, McDowell FCC Nominations Advance
The Senate Commerce Committee approved the nominations of Julius Genachowski and Robert McDowell to the FCC in an off-the-floor markup that will speed up the path to a full Senate vote, sources told Broadcasting & Cable. The action could pave…
Fears Over FCC Reaction to F-Bombs as Wells Ponders ‘Southland’ Time Period Switch
John Wells and the production team behind NBC’s "Southland" are worried their show could become a target of the FCC next season, the Los Angeles Times reports. The concern: The show’s practice of bleeping out profanities might not be enough…
FCC Nominee Opposes Fairness Doctrine Revival, Favors Broadband Stimulus
In confirmation hearings Tuesday, Julius Genachowski, nominated by the Obama Administration to head the FCC, said he favors using $7 billion in stimulus money to improve broadband Internet access, the Wall Street Journal reports. He also told the Senate Commerce…
FCC Call Center Receives 900,000 Calls About DTV
The FCC Call Center has received 900,000 calls since last Monday from consumers seeking digital TV transition help. Calls peeked on Friday, the day of the DTV transition, at 317,450 calls. The call center received 145,403 calls on Saturday and…
Consumers Flood Call Centers Seeking DTV Help
The FCC Call Center is experiencing high demand due to consumers seeking help with the digital transition taking place today, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Wait time is up to 15 minutes, with 4,000 operators standing by to assist callers. Many…
Lawmakers Demand FCC Explain its Stimulus Money Spending
Members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee have asked the FCC to account for the stimulus money it got to educate the public on the digital transition, says Broadcasting & Cable. The lawmakers want to know about rumors that…