Media Policy

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Restrictive media policies can curtail access to the content we do have through the infrastructure we currently have in place. There are clear roles for funders to play in helping to address media policy issues and GFEM works to keep funders abreast of the constantly shifting media policy environment.

The Media Policy Working Group (MPWG) was created to raise awareness and build knowledge about key issues in media policy within the broader philanthropic community. Our aim is to engage and educate grantmakers across fields about the ever-changing media policy and communications policy landscape, as well as foster collaboration among interested donors in support of targeted activities to help advance the media policy field. MPWG activities include a quarterly teleconference and periodic phone briefings on timely issues in addition to quarterly updates in the GFEM newsletter. MPWG also partners with other funder affinity groups to organize media policy-related sessions at national gatherings. Membership is open to grantmakers working in and outside the U.S. with an interest in learning and sharing grantmaking experiences about media policy in the public interest. If you would like to join the MPWG please contact jperlstein (at) gfem (dot) org.

New Privacy Bill Makes Your Location, Sexual Orientation "Sensitive Info"

[Source: ArsTechnica, by Nate Anderson, May 4, 2010]
Under the bill, companies would be forbidden from using your cell phone's geolocation information without your consent, and the same goes for information on your race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.

Ask the Expert: Is Your Internet Censored? Net Neutrality and Nonprofits Materials

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Recording from NTEN's recent call on Net Neutrality and Internet censorship is available now.Imagine a world where access to your information online was suddenly censored -- slowed down or cut ...

Genachowski Reiterates 'Unwavering Commitment' to Open Internet

[Source: The Hill, by Kim Hart, April 28, 2010]
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski pledged his "unwavering commitment" to a "free and open Internet" today during a public workshop on the topic in Seattle

Under financial overhaul, FTC could gain enforcement power over Internet

[Source: Washington Post, by Cecilia Kang, April 27, 2010]
FTC Might Gain New Oversight of Internet

Observers Say Decision May Force FCC's Hand

[Source: National Journal, by Juliana Gruenwald, April 6, 2010]
The FCC signaled Tuesday that it will continue to pursue efforts to ensure network neutrality despite an appeals court ruling that said the agency overstepped its authority when it cracked down on ...

F.C.C. Rules for Broadband Fairness Set Aside by Court

[Source: The New York Times, by Edward Wyatt, April 6, 2010]
WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that regulators had limited power over Web traffic under current law.  The decision will allow Internet service companies to block or ...

The Internet’s Last Hope

[Source: Mother Jones, by Nick Baumann; April 9, 2010]How the Federal Communications Commission can save the world (wide web).

Net Neutrality Is Not Some Marxist Plot

[Source: Christian Coalition: Capitol Hill Update; April 7, 2010]What do the Christian Coalition of America, the Gunowners of America, the National Religious Broadcasters and the Parents ...

Google, Yahoo and Other Companies to Be Targeted in Complaint to FTC

[Source: MercuryNews.com, by Mike Swift; April 8, 2010]Privacy advocates plan to file a complaint with federal regulators today against tracking and profiling practices used by Google, Yahoo, ...

Digital Economy Bill Passes in U.K.

[Source: DSLReports.com, by Karl Bode; April 8, 2010]Welcome to your new entertainment industry nanny state