NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
January 21, 2010 Jen Howard, 202-418-0506
Email: jen.howard@fcc.gov
FCC LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO EXAMINE FUTURE OF MEDIA
Issues Public Notice and Launches FCC.Gov/FutureofMedia
WASHINGTON -- Today, the Federal Communications Commission launched an initiative on 
the future of media and the information needs of communities in the digital age. This initiative 
will examine the changes underway in the media marketplace, analyze the full range of future 
technologies and services that will provide communities with news and information in the digital 
age, and, as appropriate, make policy recommendations to the FCC, other government entities, 
and other parties.
“We are at a critical juncture in the evolution of American media,” said FCC Chairman Julius 
Genachowski. “Rapid technological change in the media marketplace has created opportunities 
for tremendous innovation. It has also caused financial turmoil for traditional media, calling into 
question whether these media outlets will continue to play their historic role in providing local 
communities with essential news and civic information. With this crucial initiative, the FCC 
commits to fully understanding the fundamental changes underway in the media marketplace and 
examining what impact such changes may have for Commission policies, while vigorously 
protecting the First Amendment.”
The Commission issued a Public Notice posing preliminary questions that the FCC will consider 
as it prepares a report on the future of media in the digital age later in 2010. Initial topics under 
consideration include: the state of TV, radio, newspaper, and Internet news and information 
services; the effectiveness and nature of public interest obligations in a digital era; the role of 
public media and private sector foundations; and many others. The initiative will not include any 
effort to control the editorial content of any type of media.
The FCC also launched a preliminary Web site that will serve as an arena for public discussion 
on the future of media and any public policy recommendations. At launch, the Web site includes 
a forum for citizens and experts to weigh in on key questions, and an area for consumers to 
describe the health of, or problems with, media in their communities. 
The public can participate in the proceeding via the traditional comment filing system, as well as 
the Future of Media Web site, www.FCC.gov/FutureofMedia. All comments will be deemed part 
of the official record. The Commission will conduct interviews, review existing studies and 
hearing records, and may hold public workshops or hearings to elicit feedback and participation.
The effort is being led by former journalist and Internet entrepreneur Steven Waldman, who 
recently joined the FCC as senior advisor to Chairman Genachowski, and a working group of 
experts from throughout the FCC.
--FCC--
GN Docket No. 10-25