Michael Powell, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, announced last Friday that he will be stepping down from that post. Powell, son of Secretary of State Colin Powell, leaves a mixed legacy.
His most public action was to increase the fines for indecency on radio and television stations by several magnitudes. And you know, that's just what the networks needed, because they're already doing so great competing against cable and satellite. I'd much rather he imposed fines for excessive "reality TV" programming, but maybe that's just me.
While he did do some technology-friendly things, such as nixing a proposal to regulate VOIP, he won't be remembered fondly by most of those who appreciate the First Amendment. Most notably, he bent over backwards to please the MPAA and put into regulation the stipulation that all video-receiving devices must make provision for the dreaded "broadcast flag" by mid-2005. Yes, even though the movie industry keeps reporting record-breaking revenues and profits year after year, Powell thought they needed some help in making sure that consumers aren't allowed to watch what they've already paid for unless the MPAA says it's OK again. Brilliant...thanks a heap, pal.
