Federal Communications Commission

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) likened it to a reunion of the Beatles -- although with a Fab Five instead of four. It had been three years since the entire Federal Communications Commission had appeared as one in front of a House committee. On Wednesday, newly empowered Democrats subjected commissioners, particularly Chairman Kevin J. Martin, a Republican, to a five-hour grilling on communications issues, signaling they will watch the FCC's every move.

The nation's top phone regulator has made the call: No cellphone conversations during flights. Kevin J. Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said Thursday that he opposed lifting a ban on the phone conversations because of evidence that they could interfere with calls on the ground. The FCC had been considering allowing in-flight calls since 2004 but Martin's opposition, in effect, kills the idea. As chairman, he controls the agenda and decides what is voted on.

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday eased rules on wireless Internet services sold by telecommunications companies including AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. The wireless broadband order frees Internet access on hand-held devices from "commercial mobile radio service" rules that apply to wireless telephone services.

Local governments across the country went to court Tuesday to challenge federal rules intended to spur competition in the cable television industry. Lawyers for organizations representing cities and counties asked the courts to invalidate rules the Federal Communications Commission approved in December to smooth the way for new competitors that want to offer cable television service.

The Federal Communications Commission told phone companies that they must require customers to provide a password to access their records by telephone, a move meant to discourage fraud. Phone companies, including those that use Internet-based calling technology, must also ask permission before transferring customer information to another company, the FCC said Monday. USTelecom, an industry trade group, said the requirements would increase costs.

Kevin J. Martin drank two cups of Starbucks coffee, a 20-ounce bottle of Diet Pepsi and a can of Diet Coke. Maybe it was all that stimulation that enabled the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to do something in February his predecessor rarely did. He faced the public. For nearly six hours, a well-caffeinated Martin listened as a parade of critics stepped up to microphones at a Harrisburg, Pa.

Don Imus' comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team cost him his job, but in all likelihood won't cost the broadcasters of his show a cent in federal fines. Despite calls from the Rev. Al Sharpton and the head of the Congressional Black Caucus for sanctions against CBS Radio stations that aired Imus' remarks, the Federal Communications Commission has authority to levy fines only for sexually indecent and profane comments over the public airwaves.

Federal regulators Friday announced an unprecedented settlement with four radio broadcast companies on charges of accepting cash and merchandise from record companies in exchange for airplay. The four broadcasters will pay a combined $12.5-million fine and agree that their 1,653 stations will not engage in payola practices, according to a consent decree with the Federal Communications Commission. The radio companies involved -- Clear Channel Communications Inc., CBS Radio Inc.

The Federal Communications Commission has renewed the license of Los Angeles Spanish-language television station KAZA-TV Channel 54, denying an unusual protest brought by rival broadcaster NBC Universal. In November, NBC Universal, which owns the Spanish-language Telemundo network, asked the FCC to deny the license renewal by invoking a rarely used morals clause.

Federal regulators have concluded that Hollywood's efforts to shield children from violent TV shows have failed and that Congress should authorize government action. The Federal Communications Commission report, released Wednesday, promises to kick off a fierce fight on Capitol Hill and the presidential campaign trail, one that, like the ongoing battle over indecency, could well end up in the Supreme Court.