EFF Wins Fast-Track Release of Telecom Lobbying Records
Judge Cancels Friday Hearing, Orders Government to Comply by December 10
“San Francisco – Late Tuesday, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) won the speedy release of telecom lobbying records from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
The agency was ordered to comply with a new December 10 deadline — in time for the documents to play a role in the congressional debate over granting amnesty for telecommunications companies taking part in illegal electronic surveillance. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston vacates a hearing on the matter previously scheduled for Friday.”
In …read more

Damn good news!
F.C.C. Planning Rules to Open Cable Market
“The Federal Communications Commission is preparing to impose significant new regulations to open the cable television market to independent programmers and rival video services after determining that cable companies have become too dominant in the industry, senior commission officials said.
The finding, under a law that gives the commission expanded powers over the cable television industry if it becomes too big, is expected to be announced this month. It is a major departure for the agency and the industry, which was deregulated by an act of Congress in 1996.”
Oh, and Mr Cleland, take …read more