Rick Boucher

Digital TV Switch 'Won't Be Seamless'; Converters Dwindling

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 27, 2009 - 12:17pm.

Washington - The U.S. transition to digital television on June 12 will likely be a bit rocky, acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Michael Copps told lawmakers this week, and while just 3.6% of households remain unprepared, according to Nielsen, problems could be exacerbated by a shortage of digital TV converters. "Some may say that we won't be ready on June 12 either, and that there will still be consumers left behind. And that is true, this transition will not be seamless," Copps told the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee.

House Judiciary Committee Approves Blogger Shield Law

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 2, 2007 - 10:47am.

Washington - The U.S. House Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to approve the Free Flow of Information Act, which would shield bloggers who derive "financial gain or livelihood" from their efforts from having to identify confidential sources, CNET News.com reported.

U.S. Lawmakers Revive Amended "FAIR USE" Copyright Bill

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 28, 2007 - 4:16pm.

Washington - U.S. Reps. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and John Doolittle (R-Calif.) have introduced a new version of their legislation that would enshrine the traditional rights of consumers to "fair use" of copyrighted works into law, which the lawmakers see as eroding in the digital age.