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    FCC Approves Comcast-AT&T Merger

    Nov 14, 2002 05:00 PM EST

    ... saying the merger would not harm consumer choice and may even lower cable prices. "The benefits of this transaction are considerable, the potential harms negligible," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said in a statement. "We therefore conclude that the merger serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity." The FCC ruled that ...

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    FCC Reviewing Ownership Limits

    Sep 12, 2002 04:00 PM EST

    The commission's four commissioners voted unanimously on Thursday to begin a formal review process of ownership regulations in an attempt to render them more consistent and able to withstand legal scrutiny. FCC Chairman Michael Powell called the examination "the most comprehensive undertaking in the area of media ownership in ...

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    FCC Sets Deadline for Digital TV

    Aug 08, 2002 04:00 PM EST

    ... only a small fraction of Americans actually use digital sets. "This action will take these electronic appliances from being HDTV-ready to HDTV reality," said FCC Chairman Michael Powell. Broadcasters applauded the FCC's decision today, since the broadcast industry needs all of its consumers to be able to receive ...

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    Court Orders FCC to Reconsider Ownership Limits

    Feb 19, 2002 05:00 PM EST

    In a unanimous opinion, the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia called the FCC's decision to retain the rule "arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law," and said the agency would have to better justify why the audience cap needs ...

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    FCC Chairman Powell

    Aug 09, 2001 04:00 AM EST

    Media correspondent Terence Smith discusses the future of telecommunications with FCC Chairman Michael Powell.

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    FCC Relaxes Network Ownership Rules

    Apr 19, 2001 04:00 PM EST

    With today's 3-1 decision, a company holding one of the four major broadcast networks -- ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox -- is now also allowed to own a smaller network such as UPN or WB. FCC officials said a rule against any of the four larger networks merging with each ...

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    FCC Approves AOL / Time Warner Merger

    Jan 11, 2001 05:00 PM EST

    ... service to other providers over Time Warner's cable lines. The issue led to hours of debate today, but was not enough to derail the FCC's expected approval. FCC regulators also said the new company must not keep consumers from using an Internet service provider other than AOL, but ...

  • What is the 'equal time' rule that Colbert says led CBS to pull his Talarico interview?

    What is the 'equal time' rule that Colbert says led CBS to pull his Talarico interview?

    Feb 18, 2026 09:12 PM EST

    ... shows, suggesting last year that probing ABC’s “The View” — whose hosts have frequently been critical of Trump — over the exemption might be “worthwhile.” The FCC did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Tuesday. What about the Fairness Doctrine? Created by the FCC in 1949, this rule mandated that ...

  • Stephen Colbert isn't backing down from dispute with CBS over what he can air

    Stephen Colbert isn't backing down from dispute with CBS over what he can air

    Feb 18, 2026 05:22 PM EST

    ... an interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico — which the host said had happened the night before. WATCH: After Colbert says CBS blocked interview, FCC commissioner weighs in on 'equal time' He then took a copy of the network statement, wrapped it in a dog poop bag, and tossed ...

  • Stephen Colbert says CBS pulled candidate interview ahead of early voting in Texas

    Stephen Colbert says CBS pulled candidate interview ahead of early voting in Texas

    Feb 17, 2026 09:33 PM EST

    ... In January, the Federal Communications Commission issued new guidance warning late-night and daytime hosts that they need to give political candidates equal time, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questioning the talk show exemption and positing that hosts were “motivated by partisan purposes.” “The FCC has not been presented with ...