[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1283 - March 15, 2002

[Tim Miller]

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1283 - March 15, 2002

The following is a Q-S-T.

Restructuring at the FCC should not impact on Amateur Radio and a first for the Dayton Hamvention.  These stories are first on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1283 coming your way right now.

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REGULATORY ISSUES :  FCC REORGANIZES LATER THIS MONTH

A reorganization of the Federal Communications Commission is set to become final later this month.  This, as the agency stresses that realignment of responsibilities between various bureaus will make it more efficient and help it better respond to a changing technological marketplace.  Amateur Radio Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH, takes a look at some of the changes.

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It's an independent government agency that reports directly to Congress.  It's mission is to regulate communications.  One of the services it oversees is Amateur Radio, but most observers of the reorganization of the Federal Communications Commission see little impact on hobby communications.

As part of the reorganization a new Media Bureau will combine the duties of the current Cable and Mass Media bureaus.  The goal of the combined bureau? To treat competitors of multiple entertainment delivery systems equally and consistently.  This includes broadcasters, cable operators and satellite service providers to name only a few.

Other changes include a renamed Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. Also, a realigned International Bureau still will handle satellite licensing but most policy issues will now be the domain of the newly created Media Bureau.

These are just a few of many changes taking place.  Most appear aimed at commercial interests.  For ham radio, C-B, G-M-R-S and most two-way radio users the shift will probably be transparent.  In other words, for these spectrum users and most others, it looks like business as usual within a soon to be restructured FCC.