Analyzes the communications policy review process since the 1960s, encompassing task forces, Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission. Concludes that the process "has been doing little more than seeking a means of negotiating the conflicting needs of the major industrial interests already in control of most aspects of American…

Basic information about the characteristics, uses, and implications of communication satellites is presented. Characteristics covered include the various types of systems--such as point-to-point, distribution, and broadcasting satellites--and the flexibility, capacity, geographical coverage, cost and disadvantages of satellites. The section on…

This bulletin reviews early federal regulation of telegraphy, telephone, and radio communications, and the development of the Radio Acts of 1912 and 1927, the Communications Act of 1934, and the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. A large portion of the discussion focuses on the regulatory power and procedures of the Federal Communications…

Describes educators' fear that a government proposal to help accommodate new Web-surfing cell phones and other hand-held devices could end up displacing instructional-television operations. The proposal could also undermine partnerships that educational broadcasters have begun negotiating with companies to create new speedy Internet services. (EV)

Discusses organizational growth in communications in the context of technological innovation and institutional evolution. Notes that firms are conglomerating and elaborating their administrative structures. Focuses on these trends and how they affect the telecommunications community and the interdependent actions of government and business firms.…

This dissertation examines the legislative, economic, political, and technological influences that have governed cable television (CATV) during the years of its existence. Separate chapters deal with the beginnings of CATV, the economics of CATV, the problems incurred in CATV franchising, and the relationship of CATV to the telephone common…

The web of relations among present and prospective changes in information systems provides a background against which public policy on information and telecommunication can be assessed. Telecommunication networks, broadcast regulation, and private line services all provide resources for news dissemination to the public. The costs, prices, and…

Industry structure studies prior to 1968 are briefly reviewed, and an overview of industrial and technological developments up to the present is provided through synopses of more recent studies. Areas covered include overseas telephone and record carriers; the creation of the Communications Satellite Corporation; the current regulatory and…

The problems and potentials of cable television are examined in this book, which begins by describing the technological basis and current state of cable television. Topics covered include the economic base of the industry and the struggles for economic control, the development of a regulatory structure, the relationship between cable television…

Discusses the effects the Telecommunications Act of 1996 will have on telephone services, telephone and cable mergers and buyouts, cable television rates, alarm monitoring services, satellite services, broadcasting and media ownership, electronic publishing, the television industry, and the Internet. Describes the impacts the act may have on…

This document presents witness testimony and supplemental materials from a Congressional hearing regarding legislation to reform national telecommunications policy. Most of the proposed changes would allow Americans greater freedom to choose among communication products and services. Among the topics this hearing addresses are increasing…

This document provides the text of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, legislation enacted "to promote competition and reduce regulation in order to secure lower prices and higher quality services for American telecommunications consumers and encourage the rapid deployment of new telecommunications technologies." The legislation contains…

While state and local regulation is important to the development of communications, particularly broadband, Federal policies have been and will continue to be the dominant force in shaping the regulatory environment for communications. This paper identifies the Federal regulatory policies that have been most important to rural communications, and…

This booklet was developed by New York City junior high school teachers to help other teachers and students to explore various facets of communications and mass media. Media forms examined in a series of loosely structured lesson plans include telephone, television, radio, the postal service, newspapers, magazines, books, printing, and new…

To develop information which the Texas Education Agency could use in planning the development of electronic technology programs in Texas junior colleges, this study was designed to provide: (1) an assessment of current programs, (2) information about the employment of electronic technicians in Texas, and (3) other types of information for use in…