Comcast presented a classic case for the need for net neutrality protections in its interference with peer-to-peer file transfers including BitTorrent application software. The Associated Press (AP) investigated and verified that BitTorrent files were being stopped during transfer by use of commands mimicking communications from the user. When asked about the AP findings, Comcast denied the allegations and then circulated a memo to employees, directing that replies to future questions state: ?We do not block access to any applications, including BitTorrent. We also respect our customers' privacy and don't monitor specific customer activities on the Internet or track individual online behavior, such as which websites they visit. Therefore, we do not know whether any individual user is visiting BitTorrent or any other site.

Broadcast journalist and news analyst Bill Moyers describes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as ?a citadel of power, swarming with media tycoons, high-priced lawyers, and well-placed lobbyists, finagling to make sure the rules and regulations are shaped and bent to allow big media to get even bigger.? Kevin J. Martin, who took over as chair of the Commission after Michael Powell?s controversial tenure, seems to be doing his share of finagling, carrying on Powell?s policy of being very friendly to big media at the expense of the public interest. In early October, Martin announced his intention to ease current restrictions on media ownership by the middle of December. He wants to remove the ban that prevents a single company from owning both the local newspaper and TV stations in the same community. At least part of the reason for the push to make changes quickly is to accommodate Samuel Zell, who has said that he wants to finish his takeover of the Chicago-based Tribune Company by the end of the year.

Conceived in 1993 by Stuart Lowry, Jim Walsh, and Patricia Miller, WITT will be the first community radio station serving Zionsville and the greater Indianapolis area. The board of WITT has completed all of the regulatory steps with the Federal Communications Commission and has acquired an FM radio transmitter. Now they have two and a half years to begin broadcasting. To learn more about their vision for non-commercial community radio and how you can get involved, visit www.919witt.org.

It took almost 25 years, but Philadelphia finally announced the establishment of public access television. In September Mayor John Street, members of the Philadelphia Community Access Coalition (PCAC) and Comcast announced an agreement that should launch public access TV in January 2008. The City Council unanimously passed the enabling resolutions.

"It has been a long, hard struggle, but finally the city which historically most represents the ideals of democracy and freedom will have the benefit of Public Access-the voice of community in the electronic age," commented independent filmmaker and media activist, Dee Dee Halleck, in her blog.