Scandalous Privatization of Noncommercial TV Spectrum

About 20% of the hugely valuable TV spectrum — slated for auction in 2014 — is reserved for noncommercial stations.   Only noncommercial stations (mostly owned by universities and community non-profits) can operate on this spectrum and when they sell, they must sell to other eligible noncommercial operators.  Two years ago, Congress made the fateful … Continue reading Scandalous Privatization of Noncommercial TV Spectrum

Who’s a Journalist and the New Public Media

In the last week, the meaning of journalism and journalist has expanded.  Inside Climate News won Pulitzer Prize for national reporting… without a traditional newsroom.  It’s a nonprofit organization in Brooklyn with seven employees and the mission “to produce clear, objective stories that give the public and decision-makers the information they need to navigate the heat … Continue reading Who’s a Journalist and the New Public Media

Ars Technica op ed on what antitrust can do about patent trolls

US antitrust regulators have recently developed great interest in patent trolls, which they have taken to calling “patent assertion entities” or PAEs. But it seems like they still haven’t decided what to do about trolls. At recent hearings, critics lamented extortion-like demands, while supporters proclaimed trolls’ benefits to “invention markets.” While they haven’t yet settled … Continue reading Ars Technica op ed on what antitrust can do about patent trolls

Ag-Gag Laws Criminalizing Factory Farm Image Capture Are Unconstitutional

The New York Times gave some overdue attention to the adoption by several states of “ag-gag” laws that criminalize the videotaping or photographing of animal “husbandry” practices on industrial farms.  These laws have been enacted in Iowa, Utah, and Missouri.  They are being considered in Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and California.  The most notorious farm animal abuse … Continue reading Ag-Gag Laws Criminalizing Factory Farm Image Capture Are Unconstitutional