FCC OKs $24.7B Alltel Buyout to Private Group

Systems already 'open enough,' he says

(NEWSER) - The head of the FCC has rejected a request from Skype to open up wireless networks to outside devices, AP reports. The Internet phone provider wanted wireless operations included in a 1968 FCC decision that required AT&T to open up its network beyond its own devices that paved the way for the introduction of things like fax machines and modems. More»

'60 Minutes' went black as piece linking Rove to ex-gov's case began

(NEWSER) - An FCC commissioner wants to know why an Alabama TV station went off the air just as a "60 Minutes" segment critical of Karl Rove started, Broadcasting & Cable reports. WHNT blamed a “technical difficulty," but Michael Copps said today he wants to find out whether Sunday's blackout of most of a segment about the imprisonment of ex-governor Don Siegelman was a political move. More»

(NEWSER) - Sam Zell’s $8.2-billion bid to take the Tribune Company private got a boost yesterday from FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, who green-lighted a two-year exemption on rules barring ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in the same market. Zell needs waivers for five markets in which the Tribune has dual ownership, reports the Los Angeles Times. The FCC could act as soon as tomorrow, and the deal could close by year’s end. More»

Says government plays favorites, backs policies dooming his industry

(NEWSER) - The head of a cable television trade group bashed the head of the FCC today, accusing him of backing policies that “hurt the (cable) industry.” The issue causing most of the fuss, Broadcasting and Cable reports, is the proposed to mandate an a la carte pricing system, which would allow consumers to choose and pay individually for which channels they want. More»

KKR and Goldman considering offer

(NEWSER) - Shares in Macy's soared amid reports of a pending $24-billion buyout plan by KKR and Goldman Sachs, reports Bloomberg. Stock rose $3.06—7.6%—to $43.09 after Women's Wear Daily reported the news. The Wall Street firms would pay $52 a share—a 30% premium on Wednesday's close, according to the report. More»