P5: Public Interest Regulation - Panel

Public Interest Regulation (Panel)

McLaughlin, Sean ( seanm@Hawaii.Edu)

Ikaika Media

Goto-Sabas, Jennifer ( 71532.3261@compuserve.com)

Office of US Senator Daniel Inouye

Naito, Yukio ( 71532.3261@compuserve.com)

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission

Fukunaga, Carol ( carolf@kalama.doe.hawaii.edu)

Hawaii State Senator, Member of the NII Advisory Council

Johanson, Cindy ( cjohanson@pbs.org)

Educational Technology Manager, Public Broadcasting Service

Boutilier, Sybil ( citylink@well.com)

Educational Technology Manager, Public Broadcasting Service

Abstract

Community Media Policy

Noncommercial media, including partnerships with public, education and government agencies, provide a basis for developing many new services on the Internet. While the overall resources for community media are miniscule compared with commercial media, they are substantial in their diversity and vitality.

The policy principles that guide the development and continuation of community media also support development of noncommercial media services on the Internet.

Constitutional, First Amendment issues of free speech and free press have given rise to many media regulations, from the fairness doctrine and community service obligations of commercial broadcasters, to public educational and governmental access provisions of cable television operators, and universal service and consumer regulation of telephone companies.

Among the key issues currently under deliberation are the appropriate roles of federal, state and local governments in the development of information infrastructure for the public interest. New policy questions also arise from the convergence of telecommunications and cable TV industries.

A policy model that supports noncommercial multimedia applications on the Internet is proposed.

PANEL OUTLINE

The appropriate role of federal, state, and local governments in the development of information infrastructure for the public interest will also be addressed.

Panelists will provide perspectives on the following topics:

• Government regulation of communications, general policy principles;
• National telecommunications legislation trends, such as those reflected in current proposals for telecommunications reform, public broadcasting, and NII developments;
• Overview of local community media initiatives from around the U.S. and elsewhere that show promise with the Internet.
• State policy-making overview from Hawaii, including the Public Utilities Commission's current activities regarding the communications infrastructure, and other state initiatives;
• Industry proposals for noncommercial media services