Sen Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) took a jab at nets like upstart BabyFirstTV during remarks at a forum on giving parents control over children’s media content. "We are conducting an experiment on our children," she said of the ever-changing media landscape, pointing to "challenges" such as TV channels "aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers" even though the Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under age 2. People making "handsome money are trying to figure out how to advertise products to toddlers," she said at the New America Foundation forum. — FCC Commish Deborah Taylor Tate used the forum to talk up a la carte-though she prefers to call it "channel on demand." "10 years ago, the cable industry just sold TV," she said. "Now it’s in the process of changing its business model. What an incredible opportunity to change the business model for consumers as well." While she seemed keen on a la carte, she admitted that "there is no silver bullet." FCC commish Michael Copps pushed for a study on how media ownership influences programming. He called on broadcasters to exercise self-discipline during the hours children are likely watching TV, adding that "cable could step up to this dialogue, too."

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Thursday–October 29

RDOF Auction Ready to Begin

Thursday marks the start of bidding in the FCC ’s Phase 1 Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction, with 386 applicants qualified to bid for up to $16bln over 10 years to provide broadband to wholly

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