DC think-tank strategist warns PEG-access TV operators of “uber” radio spectrum policy battles

PITTSBURGH, Penn. — Cable public-access station operators were given a strong dose of media policy on Thursday at their annual convention as a Washington, D.C. think-tank leader urged them to join an “urber” political battle playing out among telecommunications companies, regulators and public advocates. Corporations are working to control the public airwaves and radio spectrum … Continued

Panel: Law and ethics in a changing media ecosystem

This panel looks at the challenges, both legal and journalistic, facing journalism ventures that seek to build and maintain online communities, from article comments to community forums and blogs. Including the role of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, dealing with and protecting anonymous commenters, and concerns regarding defamation and privacy. Patrick Carome – … Continued

Consortium idea leads RJI iPad/E-reader symposium discussion on final day

U.S., Korean and Japanese news-industry strategists wrapup up today three days in Missouri to assess the impact of the soon-to-be-launched Apple iPad on the news business — and on the fast-changing “E-reader” marketplace. On Monday, they considered the possibility of forming a news-industry consortium, and that idea is on the agenda today. It’s been the spring meeting … Continued

INSIGHT: From Paul Gillin — Curation’s growing value

http://gillin.com/blog/2010/03/curations-growing-value/ *Paul Gillin’s Social Media Report**March 4, 2010* EXCERPT: “Curation is an increasingly important part of the information value chain . . . Trusted curators who point us to the most valuable sources of information for our interests will become the new power brokers. Matt Drudge figured this out many years ago . . . … Continued

FTC tackles economics, technology, ownership and antitrust in ‘workshop’-style hearings next week

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will tackle economics, technology, ownership and antitrust as it convenes next week the second of two “workshop”-style hearings on the future of journalism. UPDATE: Here’s the link to the audio: The session entitled: “How Will Journalism Survive the Internet?,” will run from 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. on Tues., March 9 and … Continued

Discussion finds pros and cons to new ownership forms

Putting journalism under non-profit ownership is no panacea for financing it, a six-person panel found during an 80-minute discussion at the New England Newspaper & Press Association annual meeting in Boston moderated by 2008-2009 Reynolds Fellow Bill Densmore. There are challenges to obtaining foundation funding. Local-news operations in New Haven, Conn., and Brattleboro, Vt., are … Continued

The value of privacy

Citizens need privacy as a shield against the state as well as corporate power. Legally, privacy is thought of a protection from other things. Contested commodities Research shows that people may be willing to part with what is known as contested commodities.  People may be willing to trade private information for goods and services.  In … Continued