Reed E Hundt

With the cable TV industry reeling from forced rate reductions of 17%, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt told industry executives Tuesday that he foresees no further cuts. "I know of no evidence to support a further reduction . . . and we are not looking for such evidence," Hundt said, seeking to ease concerns of cable executives.

In a break with the White House, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt on Wednesday endorsed legislation calling on the television networks to reinstitute their old code of conduct, which included an early-evening family hour free of racy and violent programming. Broadcasters protested that their recent agreement to adopt a new system of rating television programs for sex, violence, foul language and suggestive dialogue should immunize them from such legislation.

The Federal Communications Commission will focus on how revolutionary changes in the communications field can be used to promote economic growth in the nation, the agency's new chairman says. FCC Chairman Reed Hundt, in an interview, called the nation's telecommunications policy the "beating heart of American growth" because modern employment is so reliant on fast and high-quality information systems.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt, who has clashed with broadcasters in the past, Tuesday renewed his call for the industry to boost its public-interest obligations. Addressing the industry's annual convention here, Hundt cited such issues as free time to political candidates, increasing the number of public-service announcements, educational television and a code of industry policy toward liquor advertising with an eye on protecting children.

The Clinton Administration, scored for not quickly choosing a new Federal Communications Commission chairman at a time when the FCC faces a revolution in information technology, plans to name Washington communications lawyer Reed Hunt to head the agency. Sources close to the White House also said Thursday that the Administration is expected to nominate Regina M. Keeney, counsel to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, to fill the other vacancy on the five-member commission.

Intel Corp. reported that it gave Chief Executive Craig Barrett an 8% increase in cash compensation last year, paying him $3.36 million in salary and bonus. Barrett's salary rose to $575,000 in 2000 from $525,000 in 1999, according to a proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. His bonus increased to $2.78 million from $2.59 million. Barrett also received options to buy 200,000 company shares for $61.19 each, the filing said. The grant would be worth $19.

People who want to watch steamy movies on broadcast TV or listen to racy talk shows will soon have to tune in after 10 p.m., a federal appeals court ruled Friday. The 7-4 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will mean tighter regulations for the TV and radio broadcasting industry. Under Federal Communications Commission rules, TV and radio stations may air indecent shows only between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed E. Hundt, who said recently that he personally urged Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates to get involved with industry efforts to develop digital television, is not backing down from that controversial move.