Obama and Electronic Journalism
How the New Administration Will Effect Open Communication
It is expected that the Obama administration's attitude toward electronic communication and journalism will resemble that of President Bill Clinton rather than those of President George W. Bush. Journalism groups will be monitoring whether or not Obama will keep his promises about open communication.
Obama Campaign Use of Electronic Communication
Because Obama used the electronic media so successfully during his campaign for the presidency of the United States, it is expected that the media and communication policies will be given considerable attention. He was the first presidential candidate to successfully use the electronic media to communicate his message, build grass roots strength and raise more campaign funds than any other candidate in the history of American elections.
Obama and FCC Appointments
On January 20, 2009, Federal Communication Commission' s (FCC) Republican chairman, Kevin Martin, is expected to resign. In addition, the term of Deborah Taylor Tate, also a Republican, will step down when her term expires the same month. That will leave only one Republican sitting at the FCC table. This will give Obama the opportunity to appoint two Democrats, most likely Michael Copps or Jonathan Adelstein, as acting chairman until Obama names a permanent chairman
Obama and FCC Regulations
Reed Hundt and William Kennard, who advised Obama during the campaign, were President Clinton's FCC chairmen so it is expected that his communication policies will resemble those of the former president.
It is also expected that Obama will ease broadcast ownership restrictions and that he favors measures that will increase minority ownership. He has said that he would not revive the Fairness Doctrine (equal time) but seems to be in favor of "localism" with a new public interest obligation, calling for more local news coverage and response to community concerns. Obama has expressed concerns about indecent content in the media, and the internet, but has not stated that he wants new regulations but rather parental controls strengthened. (How the Obama Administration Will Effect Electronic Journalism by Barbara Cochran, RTNDA )
Obama and the New Technologies
Under the Obama administration, there are plans to create a chief technology officer. Julius Genachowski, a Harvard Law classmate and general counsel for Hundt at the FCC is the leading candidate for the position.
Obama's attitude toward "network neutrality" which precludes network providers, for example telephone companies, from charging higher rates based on traffic. In addition, he proposes greater expanded broadband, public/private partnerships and perhaps tax incentives to bring technology to presently unserved areas.
Obama and Transparency in Government
As a Senator, Obama co-sponsored a bill to create a website, USAspending.gov, so citizens can search government databases for information on contracts, grants and awards. He also sponsored the OPEN Government Act, the most sweeping reform of the Freedom Information Act in 40 years. During the presidential campaign, he promised to put more information about government on line.
Journalism groups, such as the Association of Electronic Journalists (RTNDA), the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), among others, will be monitoring Obama's appointments and actions. They will also be keeping an eye on what happens to the the Fairness Doctrine and localization, watching to see whether he keeps the promises he made while campaigning for president.
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