Potential impacts of large-scale educational telecommunications systems are identified and issues to be considered in a more formal technology assessment are discussed. (Author)

A discussion which contends that there is merit in not gearing satellite systems solely to educational broadcasting and that they should be designed for general communication, including telephony and television entertainment. (Author/HB)

During the period of February through May of 1974, a study was conducted which analyzed all interlibrary loan photocopy requests sent from this Bell Laboratories Library to the Research Information Services Department of the Rutgers University Library at New Brunswick, New Jersey. (Author)

A discussion of the problem of FM radio assignments and the consequences for public radio. (HB)

This paper addresses the relationship between the First Amendment, monopoly of transmission media, and vertical integration of transmission and content provision. A survey of some of the incentives a profit-maximizing transmission monopolist may have with respect to content is followed by a discussion of how vertical integration affects those…

The driving force in federal licensing has been the combined political interests of legislators desirous of obtaining valuable prerogatives over the assignment of frequencies; incumbent broadcasters, ever vigilant in restricting new entry into broadcasting; and "public interest" lobbyists, whose self-interests lay in politicizing the…

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has long had rules that prohibit anyone from owning more than one television station in any given location. Two of the stated purposes behind the FCC's anti-monopoly rules are to foster diversity of programming for the sake of First Amendment interests, and to promote programming among media outlets in…

The paper examines the uses of telecommunication for physically handicapped students. Basic equipment, including a modem and keyboard interface, are described. The types and uses of computer bulletin boards are also described. Among benefits of telecommunications for physically handicapped students noted in the paper are social prestige,…

The digest answers basic questions about using microcomputers for professional development in special education. Use of the microcomputer as a self-contained unit is described and the types of information available on diskette from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources are considered. The microcomputer's application in networking is…

This discussion of the potential role of telecommunications in rural development begins by identifying education, culture and recreation, social pursuits, information exchange, political activity, community development, and business opportunities as activities that might be benefitted by the use of telecommunications. The capabilities and…

During the eight years of President Ronald Reagan's administration, deregulation of broadcasting was pursued at least as vigorously as other attempts of the "Reagan Revolution" to lessen the impact and influence of the federal government. The Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) "one-to-a-market" rule (which limits licenses…

This fact sheet offers basic instructions on connecting to the ERIC database for individuals who own or have access to a microcomputer and are familiar with ERIC and how to search it through a database terminal. Software, hardware, and telephone line components necesary to make a microcomputer act as a database terminal are outlined. The…

An analysis of the patterns of use that were observed in 28 computer-based conferences involving scientists and engineers is presented. In the initial chapter, computer conferencing is discussed as a medium of communication and a description of the analytical approach is provided, as well as an overview of the 28 FORUM conferences observed. In…

Arguments for and against the major legislative proposals pertaining to the reform of the nonbroadcast part of the nation's telecommunications law which are pending before the 96th Congress are analyzed. Background information is given regarding (1) the structure of the domestic telecommunications industry, (2) the regulatory authority which…

The technology of cable television is advancing rapidly. Of prime importance to cable television in the 1970s will be the development of two-way interactive communication services on cable systems. This report describes that development; the technical, economic, and regulatory forces that influence it; and the public policy issues that it raises.…