The National Association of Broadcasters is opposed to Google's filing regarding the use of TV's unused white space and said so in no uncertain terms with their press release. It's plain to see what's at stake here. Google is trying to broaden their market position by using the white space in order to develop Internet-ready phones. The NAB is doing what the NAB is supposed to do - protect the broadcasters they represent. Both organizations are throwing their positions squarely into the FCC's lap. FCC, it's your move...
The Channel Wire blog writes that NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton takes the position that Google has failed to provide a valid method for protecting digital TV from interference from the unlicensed wireless devices that would use the spectrum under Google's proposal to the FCC. Google's Rick Whitt says they have devices to see whether a channel is open before using it, preventing any interference. Wharton disagrees in typical he-said/he-said fashion...
While the FCC has plenty on its plate now including the recently approved XM/Sirius merger by the DOJ, we live in an era like no other. With the electronic media explosion and the survival of terrestrial radio and TV as we know it, at stake, this is another one they better get right. Before you know it, they'll have another major decision to make...
10 Timeline Memories:
- 1885] Roll 'em: Eastman Kodak (Eastman Dry Plate and Film Co.) introduces the first commercial motion picture film in Rochester (NY). Come with us on a video trip to the George Eastman House for some motion picture film history...
- 1937] Popeye the Sailor Man: Crystal City (TX) unveils America's first Popeye monument. The 6-foot-tall, brightly colored concrete statue is unveiled in 'Popeye Park' during the city's second-annual Spinach Festival. Well Blow Me Down...
- 1953] Doctor Feelgood: Dr. Jonas Salk announces that he has successfully tested a vaccine against Polio...
- 1964] Premiered on this date: "Funny Girl" starring Barbra Streisand opens on Broadway...
- 1969] But does he make house calls?:The TV movie "Marcus Welby M.D." runs on ABC-TV and will later be made into a successful series...
- 1979] Bird vs. Magic: Michigan State contains Larry Bird of Indiana State with Magic Johnson outscoring him 24-19 and the Spartans win their first NCAA title 75-64...
- 1982] Remembering Vietnam: Ground-breaking ceremonies are held in Washington (D.C.) for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial...
- 1997] Where's the spaceship?: The bodies of 39 members of the "Heaven's Gate" cult who'd committed suicide are found in Rancho Santa Fe (CA)...
- 2000] Vote for me comrade: Vladimir Putin is elected Russia's second democratically chosen president...
- 2003] 'Happy Trails': Former New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan dies from complications suffered from an emergency appendectomy one month earlier. Moynihan was 77...
Music Memories:
- 1965] Guitar swap: Jeff Beck replaces Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds...
- 1969] Bed-in: John Lennon and Yoko Ono begin their 'bed-in' for peace at the Amsterdam Hilton. Cartoonist Al Capp joins them...
- 1970] Woodstock on the big screen: The classic documentary "Woodstock" premieres. The film will win an Oscar for "Best Documentary"...
Commentary:
The clock is ticking for Isiah Thomas as New York Knicks president of basketball operations and coach. The Indiana Pacers' Donnie Walsh denies sewing up a 3-year deal which can mean only one thing - there's more money being applied to the deal that will be offered to Walsh. Don't think for one minute that NBA chief David Stern doesn't fully endorse this deal that will help turn around the dismal situation in the nation's number one market...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
Keira Knightley (23), Jennifer Grey (48), Leeza Gibbons (51), Curtis Sliwa (54), Martin Short (58), Teddy Pendergrass (58), Vicki Lawrence (59), Steven Tyler (60), Diana Ross (64), Bob Woodward (65), Erica Jong (66), James Caan (68), Nancy Pelosi (68), Fred Parris of The Five Satins (72), Alan Arkin (74), Leonard Nimoy (77), Sandra Day O'Connor (78) and Bob (Bob & Ray) Elliott (85)...
Timeline Countdown: 10 days until the Final Four, 12 days until the NCAA Championship and 24 days until Passover...
