2024
Free State Foundation President Randolph May Moderated Federalist Society Webinar on the FCC’s Proposal to Regulate Political Ads Using AI
Free State Foundation President Randolph May moderated an October 7 Federalist Society webinar on the FCC’s proposal to regulate political ads using artificial intelligence. The FCC’s rulemaking raises serious questions regarding the agency’s statutory authority to adopt the proposed rule and whether the Federal Election Commission has sole authority to administer federal election laws so that the FCC proposal is preempted. Policy objections have been raised regarding the FCC’s proposal.
Participants in the webinar included the following experts: Moderator: Randolph May, President, Free State Foundation; Brendan Carr, FCC Commissioner; Chris Lewis, President, Public Knowledge; Prof. Bradley Smith, former FEC Chairman; Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nault Professor of Law, Capital University Law School.
View the YouTube video of the discussion here.
FSF’s Randolph May on Election 2024: Implications for the Innovation Ecosystem Panel
Free State Foundation President Randolph May participated on a September 10 MMTC, ALLvanza, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, and LGBT Tech hosted event – the “Election 2024: Implications for the Innovation Ecosystem.” The speakers included, in addition to Randolph May, Jonathan Cannon, R Street Institute; Larry Gonzalez, Raben Group; Davey McKissack, Glen Echo Group; and moderator Gerard Waldron. These policy experts of all stripes discussed the upcoming November election and how it could significantly impact the sustainability and growth of the innovation ecosystem. Watch the replay video here.
Videos of #FSFConf16 – FSF’s Sixteenth Annual Policy Conference
The Free State Foundation held its Sixteenth Annual Policy Conference on March 12, 2024, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Click here to watch the Welcome and Introduction by Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation.
Click here to watch the video of Senator Ted Cruz, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation.
Click here to watch to watch the Keynote Address – “National Spectrum Strategy’s Implementation Plan: A Status Report” by Scott Blake Harris, Senior Spectrum Advisor,NTIA.
Click here to watch the Keynote Address – “The Pen and the Phone, and the Regulatory Pendulum Problem” by Jeffrey Rosen, Former Acting Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States
Click here to watch the “Hot Topics in Communications Law and Policy” Panel with Moderators Seth Cooper, Director of Policy Studies and Senior Fellow, The Free State Foundation, and Andrew Long, Senior Fellow, FSF, and Panelists David Chorzempa, Vice President & Associate General Counsel, AT&T; Michelle Connolly,Professor of the Practice of Economics, Duke University and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; David Don, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Comcast Corporation; and Harold Feld, Senior Vice President, Public Knowledge.
Click here to watch the “Lightning Round: Predictions and Perspectives From the Analysts” with Moderator Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation, and Panelists Paul Gallant,Managing Director, Washington Research Group – Technology, Media, and Telecom, TD Cowen, and Blair Levin,Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Metro, and Policy Advisor, New Street Research.
Click here to watch the Keynote Conversation – “TMT With Mike O’Rielly” with Moderator Michael O’Rielly, Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission, and Adjunct Senior Fellow, Free State Foundation, and Panelists Brendan Carr, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; Mignon Clyburn, Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and Nathan Simington, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission.
The Agenda is here!
The Brochure is here!
2023
FSF’s Randolph May on Broadband Breakfast Event Panel on November 29, 2023 – FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order
Free State Foundation President Randolph May participated in an online Broadband Breakfast event on November 29, 2023, discussing the FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order. In addition to Mr. May, panelists included Harold Feld, Senior Vice President, Public Knowledge, Nicol Turner-Lee, Director of the Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution, and Drew Clark (moderator), Editor and Publisher, Broadband Breakfast.
FSF’s Randolph May and Seth Cooper Discussed “Digital Discrimination” on Federalist Society Panel
Free State Foundation President Randolph May moderated a Federalist Society Telecommunications & Electronic Media Practice Group online event, titled” The FCC’s Digital Discrimination Rulemaking: Facilitating Equal Access to Broadband Services,” on June 23, 2023.
Panelists Seth Cooper, Director of Policy Studies & Senior Fellow, The Free State Foundation, Harold Feld, Senior Vice President, Public Knowledge, and Clint Odom, Vice President, Strategic Alliances & External Affairs, T-Mobile, discussed key legal and policy issues presented in the “Digital Discrimination” rulemaking as the FCC prepared to adopt final rules in the digital discrimination proceeding as required in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on November 15, 2021.
Videos of #FSFConf15 — FSF’s Fifteenth Annual Policy Conference
The Free State Foundation held its Fifteenth Annual Policy Conference on March 28, 2023, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Click here to watch the Welcome and Introduction by Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation, and the Opening Keynote Address by Congressman Bob Latta, Chair of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Click here to watch the videos of Senator Ted Cruz, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, and Senator John Thune, Ranking Member, of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband.
Click here to watch the Keynote Address of Scott Blake Harris, Senior Spectrum Advisor, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Click here to watch the “What’s Been Bugging Me Lately!” Panel with Moderator Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation, and Panelists Enrique Armijo – Professor of Law, Elon University School of Law and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Michelle Connolly – Professor of the Practice of Economics, Duke University and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Christopher Yoo – Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors.
Click here to watch the “Hot (and Important) Topics in Communications Policy” Panel with Moderators Seth Cooper, FSF Director of Communications Policy Studies and Senior Fellow Andrew Long, FSF Senior Fellow, and Panelists Rick Chessen – Senior Vice President, Law & Regulatory Policy, NCTA; Chris Lewis – President and CEO, Public Knowledge; Clint Odom – Vice President of Strategic Alliances & External Affairs, T-Mobile; and Michael O’Rielly – Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission.
Click here to watch the Keynote Conversation, “Views from the Top of the FCC,” with Moderator Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation, and Brendan Carr, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission, and Nathan Simington, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission.
FSF President Randolph May Panelist at FCBA Online Event
Randolph May, President of the Free State Foundation, participated in the Federal Communications Bar Association Judicial Committee’s event titled “Recent Developments in Administrative Law for the Communications Industry,” on February 8, 2023, via Zoom. Mr. May’s panel discussed potential consequences of West Virginia v. EPA and the Major Questions Doctrine for FCC decisions.” The two-hour program covered how key federal cases over the last few years potentially affect the decision-making authority of federal agencies – including the FCC – as well as the ability of plaintiffs to bring private suits alleging procedural violations of consumer protection statutes, such as the TCPA.
FSF President Randolph May Panelist Discussing Section 230
Free State Foundation President Randolph May participated as a panelist in a Federalist Society Telecommunications & Electronic Media Practice Group online event, titled “Section 230 Goes to Court: Gonzalez v. Google and the Future of the Electronic Town Square,” on January 24, 2023. Mr. May’s panel discussed what Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act permits and doesn’t permit – a question now before a number of courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court in Gonzalez v. Google. The YouTube video of the discussion is here.
2022
FSF President Randolph May – a Panelist in Broadband Breakfast Live’s Event, “Elon and Ye and Donald, Oh My!”
Free State Foundation President Randolph May was a panelist in a November 23, 2022, Broadband Breakfast Live event, “Elon and Ye and Donald, Oh My!” – questioning whether a new era of conservative social media is upon us. The panel debated the steps that platforms can and should take to ensure fairness and protect free speech. To watch the discussion, click here.
“Hot Topics in Copyright Law & Policy” Webinar
Click here to view the YouTube video of the Free State Foundation’s “Hot Topics in Copyright Law & Policy” webinar held on July 28, 2022.
Experts discussed copyright hot topics such as music royalties, the proposed American Music Fairness Act, needed Digital Millennium Copyright Act reform, problematic state legislation licensing of ebooks, and the American Law Institute’s misguided Copyright Restatement project.
Participants were Moderator Seth Cooper, FSF Director of Policy Studies & Senior Fellow, Devlin Hartline – Legal Fellow, Hudson Institute’s Forum for IP, Adam Mossoff – Professor of Law, Antonin Scalia Law School, GMU, and Jessica Richard – Vice President, Federal Public Policy, RIAA.
The Free State Foundation’s Fourteenth Annual Policy Conference Videos and Photos
The Free State Foundation held its Fourteenth Annual Policy Conference on May 6, 2022, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video of the Welcome and Introduction by Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation, and a Fireside Chat – The View from the FCC, with Moderator: Seth Cooper, Director of Policy Studies and Senior Fellow, The Free State Foundation, and Panelists: Brendan Carr – Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; Nathan Simington – Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and Mignon Clyburn – Former Commissioner and Acting Chairwoman, Federal Communications Commission.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video of the Fireside Chat – The “Hottest Topics” in Communications and Internet Policy, with Moderator: Randolph May, President, The Free State Foundation, and Panelists: Meredith Baker – President and CEO, CTIA – The Wireless Association; Chris Lewis – President and CEO, Public Knowledge; Michael Powell – President and CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; and Jonathan Spalter – President and CEO,USTelecom – The Broadband Association.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video of the Keynote Address by Russell Hanser, Director, Communications Policy Initiatives, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, with an Introduction by Bryan Tramont, Managing Partner, Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer, LLP, and Reactions by Robert Branson, President and CEO, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council.
Click HERE to watch the Fireside Chat – The View from the FTC, with Moderator: Maureen Ohlhausen – Former Acting Chairman and Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission, and Panelists: Christine Wilson – Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission, and Noah Phillips – Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission
The Free State Foundation Co-Sponsored the Inaugural Seigenthaler Debate – “Resolved: Internet Platforms Should Be Treated Like Common Carriers”
On February 16, 2022, Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law held, virtually, its inaugural Seigenthaler Debate, named after the late John L. Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Center and editor of the Tennessean and USA Today newspapers. As a journalist and publisher, Mr. Seigenthaler was widely acclaimed as a dedicated advocate of free speech and freedom of the press. The annual Seigenthaler Debate series is intended to “provide a collegial forum that fosters debate, dialogue, and study of First Amendment issues from all sides.” The inaugural debate’s topic was “Resolved: Internet Platforms Should Be Treated Like Common Carriers.” Eugene Volokh, Professor of Law at UCLA and a member of the Free State Foundation’s Board of Academic Advisors, argued in favor the resolution, and Ashutosh (Ash) Bhagwat, Professor of Law at University of California at Davis, argued against. The debate was moderated by Judge Lawrence VanDyke of the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Free State Foundation was pleased to be a co-sponsor of this inaugural Seigenthaler Debate.
2021
!!! FSF’s Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration !!!
On October 15, the Free State Foundation held a Gala Lunch at the National Press Club to celebrate the Fifteenth Anniversary of its founding.
This first Special Commemorative Video includes brief remarks from Richard Wiley, Mark Fowler, William Kennard, Michael Powell, Ajit Pai, Marsha Blackburn, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Bob Latta, Greg Walden, Tom Tauke, Henry Rivera, Harold Furchtgott-Roth, Kathleen Abernathy, Meredith Baker, Robert McDowell, Karyn Temple, Jeffrey Rosen, David Gross, Blair Levin, Daniel Lyons, Michelle Connolly, David Honig, Ken Keane, Adam Mossoff, Roslyn Layton, Rob Atkinson, Tim Brennan, Bob Branson, Chris Walker, and Christopher Yoo. Their participation in contributing to this video is greatly appreciated!
Enjoy watching this very special Commemorative Video Here!
The video below, “FSF’s Fifteenth Anniversary Gala Celebration,” shows the entire event, beginning with the Welcome and Introduction by Free State Foundation President Randolph May and including the remarks of our in-person speakers FCC Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington, former FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, former FCC Cable Bureau Chief Deborah Lathen, and FSF Director of Communications Policy Studies and Senior Fellow Seth Cooper.
Enjoy watching the video of the entire Gala Lunch Here!
Enjoy watching C-SPAN’s broadcast Here!
See FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s Statement Here!
See FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington’s Remarks Here!
Enjoy photos from the event Here!
Free State Foundation President Randolph May Moderated a Federalist Society Discussion on Closing the Digital Divide: The Future of Broadband Access
Free State Foundation President Randolph May moderated a June 15, 2021, Teleforum discussion with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr on Closing the Digital Divide: The Future of Broadband Access. They discussed the different options available to connect all Americans, potential roadblocks, and the continued importance of private sector investment in today’s broadband networks. The Teleforum is a podcast of The Federalist Society’s Practice Groups.
Listen and download the discussion HERE.
Congressman Bob Latta’s Keynote Address
As part of the Free State Foundation’s Thirteenth Annual Telecom Conference, Congressman Bob Latta presented a Keynote Address on May 24, 2021, via Zoom. Congressman Latta is the Republican Leader of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Watch the YouTube video HERE.
“Hot Topics in Communications Policy” Panel Presentation – April 27
Members of the Free State Foundation Board of Academic Advisors participated in a “Hot Topics in Communications Policy” Panel presentation. FSF’s Director of Policy Studies and Senior Fellow Seth Cooper moderated the panel following an introduction by FSF President Randolph May. Panelists are Theodore Bolema, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Economic Growth at Wichita State University; Tim Brennan, Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Michelle Connolly, Professor of the Practice within the Economics Department at Duke University; and Daniel Lyons, Professor at Boston College Law School.
Topics discussed were the Biden Broadband Plan, Net Neutrality, Spectrum Policy, 5G, Economics at the FCC, and Preemption of State Net Neutrality Laws.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video.
Fireside Chats — FTC Commissioners Noah Phillips and Christine Wilson, and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, during the Free State Foundation’s Thirteenth Annual Policy Conference
The Free State Foundation’s Thirteenth Annual Policy Conference is being held via Zoom on different days during March and April this year. As usual, a mix of keynote addresses, conversations, and panels are planned.
As part of the conference, Free State Foundation President Randolph May held two Fireside Chats. The first Fireside Chat was with FTC Commissioners Noah Phillips and Christine Wilson on March 19. The second Fireside Chat was with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr on March 23.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video of FTC Commissioners Noah Phillips’ and Christine Wilson’s Fireside Chat.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video of FCC Commissioner Carr’s Fireside Chat.
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington‘s Maiden Address
The Free State Foundation was very pleased to host FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington for his maiden address on February 16, 2021.
Click HERE to watch on C-SPAN.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video.
And the full text of Commissioner Simington’s address is HERE.
Free State Foundation President Randolph May Moderated a Federalist Society Discussion on the 25th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
Free State Foundation President Randolph May moderated a February 10, 2021, panel discussion on the 25th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Teleforum, a podcast of The Federalist Society’s Practice Groups, panelists celebrated the 25th anniversary and acknowledged the achievement, while – with the benefit of hindsight – also took a critical look at what the 1996 Act actually accomplished and whether it needs updating.
Click HERE to listen to the podcast and read the transcript.
FSF President Randolph May Participated in FCBA Program — “The 25th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996”
FSF President Randolph May participated in a February 2, 2021, virtual Federal Communications Bar Association program on “The 25th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.” The Telecommunications Act of 1996 became law in February 1996. With the approach of the 25th anniversary of the Act, the program speakers reflected on this landmark legislation, what it has meant for the communications industry, and the lessons from the last 25 years that can inform the next.
Click HERE to watch the program.
FSF President Randolph May on C-SPAN’s “The Communicators”
FSF President Randolph Mays appeared on C-SPAN’s “The Communicators” program on January 28, 2021, discussing free speech and censorship on social media.
Click HERE to watch the program.
“The Supreme Court, the FCC, and Communications Law,” a Webinar Featuring the Cato Institute’s Ilya Shapiro
The Free State Foundation hosted a January 22, 2021, webinar featuring remarks by Ilya Shapiro, director of the Cato Institute’s Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, and publisher of the Cato Supreme Court Review. He is the author of the recently published book “Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America’s Highest Court.”
Mr. Shapiro addressed the Supreme Court’s current and prospective jurisprudence regarding the nondelegation doctrine, Chevron deference, the status of independent agencies, and other administrative law doctrines as they impact communications law and FCC decisions such as net neutrality and speech regulation. Following Mr. Shapiro’s initial remarks, Christopher Yoo, John H. Chestnut Professor of Law, Communication, and Computer & Information Science, and Director of the Center for Technology, Innovation & Competition at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Seth Cooper, Director of Policy Studies and Senior Fellow at the Free State Foundation, offered comments.
#FSFShapiro
Click HERE to watch the YouTube video.
Farewell Address by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai
The Free State Foundation hosted a Virtual Farewell Address by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai via Zoom on January 8, 2021.
A discussion with Chairman Pai followed his address with FSF President Randolph May, FSF Director of Policy Studies and Senior Fellow Seth Cooper, and FSF Senior Fellow Andrew Long.
View the video of the January 8 Free State Foundation event:
Click HERE to watch the video.
And the full text of Chairman Pai’s remarks is HERE.
2020
Free State Foundation President Randolph May Participated in a Federalist Society Teleforum With FCC Chairman Pai
Free State Foundation President Randolph May participated on a Federalist Society Teleforum program, “Chairman Ajit Pai’s Tenure at the FCC: Fireside Chat and Panel Discussion,” along with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and other experts on December 17, 2020, 12 noon. The program featured a fireside chat to review Pai’s term as Chairman of the FCC, the FCC’s significant accomplishments during his tenure, and the most pressing matters facing the Commission ahead. The panel discussion followed the fireside chat.
FSF President Randolph May a Featured Speaker at PLI’s Telecom Policy & Regulation Program
Free State Foundation President Randolph May was a featured speaker at the Practicing Law Institute’s 38th Annual Institute on Telecommunications Policy & Regulation program, which was live webcast, held December 3-4, 2020. Along with other experts, Mr. May participated on the “Tech Platforms Under Fire” on December 4. The session focused on net neutrality regulation and whether Section 230 of the Communications Act should be revised by either the FCC or Congress.
FSF President Randolph May Participated in “Champions of Broadband” Conversation
Watch Free State Foundation President Randolph May’s conversation on Broadband Breakfast’s Live Online “Champions of Broadband.” Mr. May was interviewed October 7 on Broadband Breakfast’s Champions of Broadband series which features conversations with leaders who have devoted their careers to helping ensure better broadband and better lives for individuals across the country.
FSF’S Randolph May and Seth Cooper Discuss Modernizing Copyright Law for the Digital Age in a Federalist Society Teleforum Podcast
On March 31, 2020, Free State Foundation President Randolph May and Director of Policy Studies and Senior Fellow Seth Cooper participated in a Federalist Society Teleforum to discuss their newest book, Modernizing Copyright Law for the Digital Age.
Mr. May explained the background foundational natural rights principles which undergird their view as to why the Founders included the Copyright Clause in the Constitution to secure IP rights. And Seth Cooper discussed three currently topical areas: modernizing the DMCA to reduce infringement; establishing a small claims court for copyright; and eliminating the AM/FM exemption from payment of royalties for sound recordings.
You can listen to the Teleforum podcast here.
FREE STATE FOUNDATION’S TWELFTH ANNUAL TELECOM POLICY CONFERENCE – MARCH 10, 2020
The Free State Foundation held its Twelfth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Speeches:
Keynote addresses were delivered by Deputy Attorney General of the United States Jeffrey Rosen – a copy of his speech is here; FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson – a copy of her speech is here; and Special Assistant to the President for Technology, Telecom, and Cybersecurity Policy Robin Colwell – a copy of her speech is here. FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly and former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn participated in a lively conversation with FSF President Randolph May. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s keynote address was provided via a recorded video.
Videos:
- Welcome and Introduction, Deputy Attorney General of the United States Jeffrey Rosen‘s Keynote, and Reactions – click here
- FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson’s Keynote and Reactions – click here
- Panel: “Hot Topics in Communications Policy” – click here
- Special Assistant to the President for Technology, Telecom, and Cybersecurity Policy Robin Colwell’s Keynote and Reactions – click here
- FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s Keynote (delivered via video) and the “Conversation with FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly and former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn” with Free State Foundation President Randolph May (conversation begins at 8:37 on video) – click here
A full agenda for the event is here.
Photos from FSF’s Twelfth Annual Telecom Policy Conference
2019
Free State Foundation’s Privacy Regulation: Why, What, and When? Policy Seminar
The Free State Foundation held a policy seminar Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, from 12 noon – 2 p.m. The seminar – “Privacy Regulation: Why, What, and When?” included keynote addresses by Senator Marsha Blackburn and FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips and a panel discussion by experts addressing potential new privacy regulation, whether by Congress, the FTC or other federal agencies, or the states. The panelists included Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA; Lynn Follansbee, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy at USTelecom; Loretta Polk, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; and Michelle Richardson, Director of the Privacy & Data Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT).
Free State Foundation’s Eleventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference
The Free State Foundation held its Eleventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The conference theme was “Internet Providers and Platforms: Getting Law and Policy Right.” Keynotes speakers included FTC Chairman Joseph Simons, NTIA Administrator David Redl, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, and Andrew Finch, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General – Antitrust Division, Department of Justice on behalf of DOJ Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim. Other speakers included Alden Abbott, General Counsel, Federal Trade Commission; Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association; James Assey, Executive Vice President, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; Tim Brennan, Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Maurita Coley, President and CEO, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council; Michelle Connolly, Professor, Duke University, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Kathleen Grillo, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Verizon Communications Inc.; Kathleen Ham, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, T-Mobile USA; Daniel Lyons, Professor, Boston College Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Robert McDowell, Partner, Cooley, and former Commissioner, FCC; Gigi Sohn, Distinguished Fellow, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law and Policy, and Benton Senior Fellow and Public Advocate; and Christopher Yoo, Professor, University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors.
FSF’s Privacy Policy Seminar – June 26, 2019! Register Now!
The Free State Foundation will hold a policy seminar Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, from 12 noon – 2 p.m. The seminar – “Privacy Regulation: Why, What, and When?” will include a keynote address by FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips and a panel discussion by experts addressing potential new privacy regulation, whether by Congress, the FTC or other federal agencies, or the states. The panelists will include Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA; Loretta Polk, Vice President & Associate General Counsel at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; and Michelle Richardson, Director of the Privacy & Data Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT).
FSF’s 11th Annual Telecom Policy Conference — March 26, 2019! Mark Your Calendar!
The Free State Foundation will hold its Eleventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. This annual conference is widely acknowledged to be one of the nation’s premier communications law and policy events. As in previous years, a truly outstanding lineup of senior officials and prominent experts from the FCC, other government agencies, industry, academia, and think tanks will discuss and debate the most important communications and Internet policy issues of the day.
2018
FSF’s Randolph May Is a Panelist at NARUC Annual Meeting
Free State Foundation President Randolph May is a panelist at the NARUC Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 11, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The panel, “The VoIP “State” – What’s Happening? What’s Next?” will discuss the pending Minnesota Commission petition for rehearing en banc of a recent 8th Circuit 2-1 decision preempting state oversight as well as the Vermont Commission remand resulting from the 2013 Vermont Supreme Court decision that upheld a Vermont Public Utility Commission determination that “fixed” VoIP service is subject to PUC authority.
Register Now for FSF’s Lunch Event Highlighting A Reader on Net Neutrality and Restoring Internet Freedom – FSF’s Newest Book!
Registration is now open for FSF’s lunch event on Friday, November 9, 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the National Press Club for a timely discussion of the Free State Foundation’s newest book, A Reader on Net Neutrality and Restoring Internet Freedom, edited by Free State Foundation President Randolph May and FSF Senior Fellow Seth Cooper. Babette Boliek, the FCC’s Chief Economist, Thomas Johnson, the FCC’s General Counsel, and Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, will deliver keynote remarks, and experts will discuss the most important, most current, hot-topic legal and policy issues in the ongoing net neutrality controversy. To register, click here.
Federalist Society Teleforum on A Reader on Net Neutrality and Restoring Internet Freedom – Tuesday, October 16, 2018
The Federalist Society will host a Teleforum on October 16, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. on the Free State Foundation’s new book, A Reader on Net Neutrality and Restoring Internet Freedom. Participants include Randolph May, President of the Free State Foundation; Seth Cooper, FSF Senior Fellow; Daniel Lyons, Associate Professor at Boston College Law School and a member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; and Blair Levin, Nonresident Senior Fellow with Brookings Institution. The Reader provides a wealth of information and key insights into the long-running debate surrounding “net neutrality” regulation.
FSF Lunch Seminar on FCC Process Reform, Municipal Broadband, and Consumer Protection at the FTC – Thursday, June 28, 2018
The Free State Foundation will hold a lunch seminar on June 28, 2018, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The event will feature Introductory Remarks by Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O’Rielly – “An Update on FCC Process Reform Efforts: Possible Next Steps” – followed by a panel discussion that addresses the latest municipal broadband developments with special attention to net neutrality and First Amendment considerations. The panelists will include Enrique Armijo, Associate Professor of Law at Elon University School of Law and a Member of the Free State Foundation Board of Academic Advisors; Theodore Bolema, Free State Foundation Senior Fellow; and Chris Lewis, Vice President of Public Knowledge. Alden Abbott, the Federal Trade Commission’s new General Counsel, will deliver Closing Remarks – “Protecting Consumers and Competition at the New FTC.” An event flyer is here.
FSF Tenth Annual Telecom Policy Conference – Tuesday, March 27, 2018
The Free State Foundation will hold its Tenth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will deliver theOpening Keynote address. FCC Commissioners Michael O’Rielly andBrendan Carr will join FSF President Randolph May in the traditional lunchtime conversation. And Neomi Rao, Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, and David Redl, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, will both deliver a Keynote address. Other speakers include: Jeff Campbell, Vice President, The Americas of Global Government Affairs, Cisco Systems, Inc.; Michelle Connolly, Professor, Duke University, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; James Assey, Executive Vice President, NCTA; David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation; Kathleen Grillo, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Verizon Communications Inc.; John Jones, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations, CenturyLink; Chris Lewis, Vice President, Public Knowledge; Daniel Lyons, Professor, Boston College Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Tom Power, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, CTIA; Nicol Turner-Lee, Fellow, Governance Studies, Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings; and Christopher Yoo, Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors.
An event agenda is here and an event flyer is here.
FSF President Randolph May to Speak on Net Neutrality at the University of Baltimore School of Law
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will speak on Hands Off My Internet: A Discussion on Net-Neutrality at the University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, MD, on February 14, 2018, at an event hosted by the Baltimore Student Chapter of The Federalist Society.
FSF President Randolph May to Be a Panelist at FCBA CLE
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will be a panelist at a Federal Communications Bar Association event on The State of VoIP: Perspectives on State Jurisdiction Regarding Voice over Internet Protocol on February 13, 2018, at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.
FSF President Randolph May to Speak on Net Neutrality at Duke University School of Law
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will speak on The Future of Net Neutrality at the Duke University School of Law, Durham, NC, on January 29, 2018, at an event hosted by the Duke Student Chapter of The Federalist Society.
2017
FSF President Randolph May to Be Panel Participant at a NAPA and Schar School Symposium
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate on a panel at the “Prioritizing Governance: For Resilient Critical Infrastructure” symposium, hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration and the George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government on October 30, 2017. Mr. May’s panel will discuss the governance challenges in a resilient communications network.
FSF’s July 25 Seminar on Next Generation 5G Wireless Networks
The Free State Foundation will hold a policy seminar Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The seminar’s theme is “Next Generation 5G Wireless Networks: Seizing the Opportunities and Overcoming the Obstacles.” Speakers include FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly; Donald Stockdale, Bureau Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC; Jonathan Adelstein, President & CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association; Robert S. Fisher, Senior Vice President, Federal Government Affairs, Verizon; Crystal Tully, Majority Counsel, Technology and Telecommunications, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation; and Jeff Weninger, Member, House of Representatives, Arizona State Legislature. An event flyer is here.
Watch C-SPAN’s video of FSF’s entire Ninth Annual Telecom Policy Conference, held May 31, 2017, here.
FSF Rescheduled Ninth Annual Telecom Policy Conference – Wednesday, May 31
The Free State Foundation has rescheduled its Ninth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, will join FSF President Randolph May in the traditional lunchtime conversation. Other speakers include Meredith Baker, President and CEO, CTIA; David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation; Seth Cooper, Senior Fellow, Free State Foundation; Michelle Connolly, Professor of the Practice of Economics, Duke University, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; C. Boyden Gray, Founding Partner, Boyden Gray & Associates, and former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and former White House Counsel; Kim Keenan, President and CEO, MMTC; Blair Levin, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; Tad Lipsky, Acting Director, Bureau of Competition, FTC; Daniel Lyons, Boston College Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Tom Pahl, Acting Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Robert Quinn, Senior Executive Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T; and Howard Shelanski, Professor of Law, Georgetown University, and former Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget. With a newly reconstituted FCC and a new Congress in place, this year’s agenda-setting annual conference surely will be one of the most important ever. An event flyer is here. The conference agenda is here.
FSF President Randolph May to Participate in MMTC’s Lifeline Update Briefing
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate in a Lifeline Update briefing of MMTC’s Digital Equity Roundtable, New Telecom and Internet Policy Task Force, and “Best Minds” Policy Committee on March 21, 2017. Government, nonprofit, consumer advocates, and Lifeline broadband providers will discuss where things stand on the modernization of Lifeline and the future of the program.
Featured Speakers Announced – FSF Ninth Annual Telecom Policy Conference, March 14!
The Free State Foundation has announced the list of featured speakers for its Ninth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The featured speakers are Senator Mike Lee, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, and Member, Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee; Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Chairman, House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology; FCC Chairman Ajit Pai; Acting FTC Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly. Other speakers include Meredith Baker, President and CEO, CTIA; David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation; Seth Cooper, Senior Fellow, Free State Foundation; Robert Crandall,Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Kim Keenan, President and CEO, MMTC; Blair Levin, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; Daniel Lyons, Boston College Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Randolph May, President, Free State Foundation; Robert Quinn, Senior Executive Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T; and Christopher Yoo, University of Pennsylvania Law School, and member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors. With a newly reconstituted FCC and a new Congress in place, this year’s agenda-setting annual conference surely will be one of the most important ever. A flyer with event details is here.
2016
FCC Chairman Pai’s December 7, 2016, Address at FSF Tenth Anniversary Gala Luncheon Available!
A PDF of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s Address at the Free State Foundation’s Tenth Anniversary Gala Luncheon on December 7, 2016, at the National Press Club, Washington, DC, is here. A PDF of FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly’s remarks at the Tenth Anniversary luncheon are here.
Videos Are Now Available for FSF’s Tenth Anniversary Gala Luncheon!
Videos are available of the Free State Foundation’s Tenth Anniversary Gala Luncheon, held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on December 7, 2016. The “Segment 1” video includes a Welcome by FSF President Randolph May, and an address by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Vice Chair, House Energy and Commerce Committee, Republican Deputy Whip, and Trump Transition Team Executive Committee Member.
“Segment 2” of FSF’s Tenth Anniversary Gala Luncheon video includes remarks by FCC Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O’Rielly; Karyn Temple Claggett, Acting Register of Copyrights and Director of U.S. Copyright Office; and Professor Daniel Lyons, Boston College Law School, and member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors.
Speakers Announced for FSF’s Tenth Anniversary Gala Luncheon!
Speakers have been announced for FSF’s celebration of its Tenth Anniversary of its founding at the gala celebratory lunch on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Speakers include Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Vice Chair, House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Republican Deputy Whip; Ajit Pai, FCC Commissioner; Michael O’Rielly, FCC Commissioner; Karyn Temple Claggett, Acting Register of Copyrights and Director of U.S. Copyright Office; and Daniel Lyons, Professor,Boston College Law School, and member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors. We will reflect on the direction of law and policy over the Free State Foundation’s first ten years – including this important anniversary year – while looking at the challenges ahead. A flyer with event details is here. Register here!
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FSF’s May to Discuss The Constitutional Foundations of Intellectual Property – A Natural Rights Perspective at Emory University School of Law
Free State Foundation President Randolph May is the featured speaker at Emory University School of Law discussing the book coauthored by Mr. May and FSF Senior Fellow Seth Cooper, The Constitutional Foundations of Intellectual Property – A Natural Rights Perspective on November 2, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia.
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FSF’s May to Participate on NARUC’s Internet Privacy – The Rules of Engagement? Panel
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate on the Internet privacy panel at the upcoming National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ 2016 Summer Committee Meetings on July 23 in Nashville, TN. As part of reclassifying basic Internet access service (BIAS) as a telecommunications service, the FCC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on April 1, 2016, proposing detailed data privacy and security rules for BIAS providers. The panelists will address the issue of privacy when it comes to BIAS and identify issues of concern.
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Videos Available of FSF’s Eighth Annual Telecom Policy Conference!
Videos are now available of the presentations at the Free State Foundation’s Eighth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on March 23, 2016, at the National Press Club. The videos are the Opening Keynote Address by Congressman Marsha Blackburn,Vice-Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; “A Fireside Chat” with FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael O’Rielly; and the lunchtime armchair “Conversation” with General Counsel Jonathan Salletand FSF President Randolph May. Also, FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen’s “Privacy Regulation in the Internet Ecosystem,” and the “Perspectives on Hot-Topic Communication Issues” panel with Meredith Baker, President and CEO, CTIA; Walter McCormick, President & CEO, United States Telecom Association; Michael Powell, President & CEO, National Cable & Telecommunications Association; Brad Ramsay, General Counsel/Director, Policy Department, NARUC; and Nicol Turner-Lee, Vice President and Chief Research and Policy Officer, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council.
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Video Available – FSF President May Participated in Intellectual Property and First Principles Forum
On February 10, 2016, Free State Foundation President Randolph May participated in a forum on Intellectual Property and First Principles, presented by the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies and the Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies. A video of the panel’s session is here. With FSF Senior Fellow Seth Cooper, Mr. May is the co-author of The Constitutional Foundations of Intellectual Property.
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Speakers Announced for FSF Eighth Annual Telecom Policy Conference!
Register now for the Free State Foundation’s Eighth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. An outstanding line-up of leading senior officials and prominent experts from government, industry, academia, and think tanks will discuss and debate the most important communications and Internet issues of the day, including broadband policy, the Open Internet Order appeal, video competition, Universal Service and Lifeline Reform, whether the FCC’s actions conform to rule of law norms, and more. Speakers include: Opening Keynoter Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Vice Chairman, House of Representatives, Energy and Commerce Committee; Meredith Baker, CTIA; Mignon Clyburn, FCC; Seth Cooper, FSF; Daniel Lyons, Boston College Law School and FSF; Randolph May, FSF; Walter McCormick, USTelecom; Maureen Ohlhausen, FTC; Michael O’Rielly, FCC; Michael Powell, NCTA; Robert Quinn, AT&T; Brad Ramsay, NARUC; Jonathan Sallet, FCC; Nicol Turner-Lee, MMTC; and Philip Verveer, FCC. Register here!
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FSF President May to Participate on NARUC Lifeline Panel
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate on a panel on February 16, 2016, at the NARUC Winter Committee Meetings. The panel will address Lifeline issues, including the extent to which the program should be extended to broadband services. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing the state public service commissions who regulate the utilities that provide services such as energy, telecommunications, water, and transportation.
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FSF President May to Participate on Intellectual Property and First Principles Forum
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will speak on February 10, 2016, at a forum on Intellectual Property and First Principles, presented by the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies and the Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies. With FSF Senior Fellow Seth Cooper, Mr. May is the co-author of The Constitutional Foundations of Intellectual Property. The panel will debate various conservative and libertarian points of view regarding the nature of intellectual property and the extent to which it should be safeguarded.
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FSF President Randolph May to Participate on Panel Addressing Sharing Economy Regulatory Issues
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate on a panel addressing regulatory issues raised in connection with the new sharing economy. The program, “Regulation of the Sharing Economy: Uber and Beyond,” sponsored by the Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice of the American Bar Association, will be presented at the 110th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Law Schools on January 8, 2016, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., in New York City.
2015
FSF Co-author Seth Cooper Discusses IP Book on Radio Program
Free State Foundation Senior Fellow Seth Cooper will discuss The Constitutional Foundations of Intellectual Property: A Natural Rights Perspective, the new book he co-authored with FSF President Randolph May, on the “Thoughtful Patriot” radio program, hosted by Trent England on November 17, 2015. The program will air during the 9 a.m. (CST) book hour on KZLS 1640 AM in Oklahoma City, OK, with a podcast available after the broadcast.
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Video Released! Free State Foundation’s Book Seminar!
A video is available of the Free State Foundation’s October 26 Book Seminar. FSF President Randolph May and FSF Senior Fellow Seth Cooper discussed their new book, The Constitutional Foundations of Intellectual Property: A Natural Rights Perspective. Reactions followed, along with questions from the audience, by commenters Robert Atkinson, President, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, and Ralph Oman, former Register of Copyrights of the United States, 1985-1993, and the Pravel, Hewitt, Kimball and Kreiger Professorial Lecturer in Intellectual Property and Patent Law, The George Washington University Law School. For additional information about the book, please see our book page.
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Video Released! FSF’s July 28 Policy Seminar
On July 28 the Free State Foundation held a policy seminar at the National Press Club. The theme of the seminar was “Implementing Real Regulatory Reform at the FCC.” FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly delivered the Keynote Address. A distinguished panel, moderated by Randolph May, President of the Free State Foundation, followed with reactions to Commissioner O’Rielly’s remarks. The panelists were: Richard Wiley, former Chairman, Commissioner, and General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission, and Chairman, Wiley Rein LLP; Justin (Gus) Hurwitz, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Nebraska College of Law, and a Member of Free State Foundation’s Board of Academic Advisors; and Daniel Lyons, Associate Professor of Law, Boston College Law School, and a Member of Free State Foundation’s Board of Academic Advisors. The text of Commissioner O’Rielly’s keynote is here. Watch the video of the seminar here or below.
Panelists Announced for FSF’s July 28 Policy Seminar!
The Free State Foundation has announced the panelists for its policy seminar, “Implementing Real Regulatory Reform at the FCC,” on July 28, from 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly will deliver the Keynote Address discussing a series of thoughtful, innovative proposals he has offered to reform the FCC’s regulatory process. Comments and reactions by the following distinguished panelists will follow Commissioner O’Rielly’s keynote: Richard Wiley, former Chairman, Commissioner, and General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission, and Chairman, Wiley Rein LLP; Justin (Gus) Hurwitz, University of Nebraska College of Law, and a Member of Free State Foundation’s Board of Academic Advisors; and Daniel Lyons, Boston College Law School, and a Member of Free State Foundation’s Board of Academic Advisors. You can register for this event here. For additional information, click here.
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FSF President Randolph May Supports Reforming the FCC’s Lifeline Program
Free State Foundation President Randolph May testified at a June 2, 2015, hearing on “Lifeline: Improving Accountability and Effectiveness” before the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. In his testimony, Mr. May supported continuation of a Lifeline program that provides subsidy support to those truly in need. But he stressed that further reforms aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse were necessary in order for the program to remain viable and sustain public support, and that policymakers should proceed cautiously before expanding Lifeline to broadband.
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FSF President Randolph May Testifies in Support of FCC Process Reform Measures
Free State Foundation President Randolph May testified at a May 15, 2015, hearing on “FCC Reauthorization: Improving Commission Transparency Part II” before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce. In his testimony, Mr. May supported the FCC process and transparency reforms in the proposals under Committeeconsideration, and he urged Congress to adopt some key measures promptly without waiting for the FCC to act on its own.
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FSF President Randolph May To Moderate “Net Neutrality and Internet Freedom” Panel at the 2015 Resource Bank Meeting
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will moderate the “Net Neutrality and Internet Freedom” panel presentation on May 7 at The Heritage Foundation’s 2015 Resource Bank Meeting in Bellevue, Washington. The Resource Bank conference attracts top conservative leaders – policy experts, think tank CEOs, and activists – for strategy sessions, networking, coalition building, and policy collaboration. The panelists for the session are: Gus Hurwitz, Center for Internet, Communications, and Technology, American Enterprise Institute; Matt McIlwain, Madrona Venture Group; and Ryan Radia, Competitive Enterprise Institute.
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FSF President Randolph May Will Discuss the Global Future of the Internet at World Affairs Council of Palm Beach
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will speak on “The Global Internet: The Promises & Perils of Proposed New Structures” at the World Affairs Council of Palm Beach on April 7, 2015. The World Affairs Council of Palm Beach is an organization that creates forums for discussion of critical world issues. Its mission is to promote understanding of the world — the people, the politics, the economies and the cultures — and to enhance the ability of citizens to participate in the global community and to better understand world events through people-to-people diplomacy, distinguished speakers, and educational outreach programs.
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Videos Released of Reps. Walden and Scalise at FSF’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference!
On March 19 the Free State Foundation held its Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference at the National Press Club. The theme of the conference was “The Future of the Internet: Free Market Innovation or Government Control?” Congressman Greg Walden, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the Opening Keynote Address. A video of Chairman Walden’s address is here. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, participated in the traditional lunchtime Conversation with Free State Foundation President Randolph May. View a video of their Conversation here.
Videos of FSF’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference Panels Released!
At the Free State Foundation’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference, FCC Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O’Rielly addressed the FCC’s problematic decision to regulate Internet providers and their reactions to Rep. Greg Waldren’s opening remarks. Rep. Walden is Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. A video of Panel I is here.
At the March 19 Free State Foundation Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference, FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen; Rick Boucher, Honorary Chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance, and former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and the Internet; and Deborah Taylor Tate, a Distinguished Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Free State Foundation, and former FCC Commissioner, participated on the second panel, moderated by FSF President Randolph May, and offered their observations and reactions to the morning’s speakers. The video of Panel II is here.
The third panel, moderated by Seth Cooper, Senior Fellow, Free State Foundation, gave their observations and reactions to all of the morning’s previous speakers. Panel participants included: James Assey, Executive Vice President, National Cable & Telecommunications Association; Jeffrey Campbell, Vice President, The Americas, Global Government Affairs, Cisco; Jot Carpenter, Vice President, Government Affairs, CTIA; Peter Davidson, Senior Vice President – Federal Government Relations, Verizon; and Gene Kimmelman, President and CEO, Public Knowledge. A video of Panel III is here.
Agenda Released for FSF’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference!
The Agenda for the Free State Foundation’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference has been released. This will be FSF’s biggest and best conference ever! A link to register for “The Future of the Internet: Free Market Innovation or Government Control?” – Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the National Press Club – is here.
Speakers Announced for FSF’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference – March 19!
A power-packed lineup of speakers will present at the Free State Foundation’s Seventh Annual Telecom Policy Conference – “The Future of the Internet: Free Market Innovation or Government Control?” – Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. In addition to leading senior officials and prominent experts from government, industry, academia, and think tanks, featured speakers include Opening Keynoter Rep. Greg Walden, Chairman, House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology; House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, participating in a Lunchtime Conversation with Free State Foundation President Randolph May; and Closing Keynoter Sen. Ron Johnson, Chairman, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. Click here to register for this conference. For additional information, click here.
2014
Videos Available for FSF’s November 14 Policy Seminar!
The Free State Foundation’s policy seminar titled, “Thinking the Unthinkable: Imposing the ‘Utility Model’ on Internet Providers” held Friday, November 14, 2014, at the National Press Club is available on two YouTube videos. A video of the opening remarks by Rep. Bob Latta, Vice Chairman, House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and FCC Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O’Rielly is available here. The second video of the lively panel discussion, moderated by FSF President Randolph May, on the pending FCC net neutrality proceeding is here, with panelists Robert Crandall, Nonresident Senior Fellow of the Economic Studies Program at Brookings Institution, and member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors; Gerald Faulhaber, Professor Emeritus of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and former FCC Chief Economist; Deborah Taylor Tate, FSF Distinguished Adjunct Senior Fellow and former FCC Commissioner; and Michael Weinberg, Vice President of Public Knowledge. Separate printed versions of the opening remarks are also available: Rep. Bob Latta, Vice Chairman, House Communications and Technology Subcommittee’s speech is available here; FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai’s speech is available here; and FCC CommissionerMichael O’Rielly’s speech is available here.*****
FSF President Randolph May a Webinar Panelist Discussing Net Neutrality: FCC and Congressional Options and Alternatives for an Open Internet
Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate in a webinar, titled “Net Neutrality: FCC and Congressional Options and Alternatives for an Open Internet,” on October 16 at 2 p.m. EDT. The webinar is hosted by the Digital Policy Institute (DPI), an interdisciplinary research organization based at Ball State University. Mr. May will join other distinguished panelists to discuss the legal, technical, and policy issues involved in the Net Neutrality proceedings at the Federal Communications Commission and embodied in legislative proposals being advanced in the Congress. Registration and additional information for the webinar is here.
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FSF’s Randolph May a Panelist Discussing Net Neutrality
On October 14, 2014, Free State Foundation President Randolph May will participate on a panel discussing why the media should care about net neutrality. The program is sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists and co-sponsored by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. With an introduction by Ellen Shearer, director of the Medill Washington Program, Mr. May and other nonprofit, government, and media representatives will discuss the importance of net neutrality to journalists, how accurately media have covered the issue, and how net neutrality is related to the First Amendment or free speech.
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FSF’s Randolph May Participated on Net Neutrality Panel with Former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps
On October 9th, Free State Foundation President Randolph May participated in a session with former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps at the 2014 Akamai Edge Conference in Miami, Florida, to discuss the hot topic of net neutrality and the FCC’s Open Internet proceeding. By all accounts, it was an informative and lively program. Akamai’s innovative products and services have played a significant positive role in fostering the steady growth of the Internet ecosystem across the globe – and the conference’s sessions offered many opportunities to glimpse the prospects for continued exciting advancements. In light of the FCC’s consideration of proposals to adopt new net neutrality regulations, the subject, obviously is very timely. To watch the video of the net neutrality discussion, which is posted on Akamai’s website, please click here.
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FSF’s Randolph May a Panelist at FCC’s Open Internet Roundtable Series
Free State Foundation President Randolph May is a panelist in the first session of the FCC’s Open Internet Roundtable seriesscheduled for September 16, 2014. This first Roundtable session, titled “Tailoring Policy to Harms,” will address “Policy Approaches to Ensure an Open Internet.” Two fundamental questions will be discussed: what are the harms to Internet openness in the absence of open Internet regulations, and what are the right policies to address those harms? Mr. May’s fellow panelists are Althea Erickson, Etsy; Julie Kearney, Consumer Electronics Association; Barbara van Schewick, Stanford University; Michael Weinberg, Public Knowledge; and David Young, Verizon, along with moderators Julie Veach, Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC and Matthew DelNero, Deputy Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC. The roundtables are free and open to the public, and the FCC also will stream them live at http://www.fcc.gov/live. For addition information, click here.
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FSF’s Randolph May to Participate in AEI’s Conference
Free State Foundation President Randolph May is a panelist during a three-day conference at the FCC, cosponsored by the American Enterprise Institute’s Center for Internet, Communications, and Technology Policy and the University of Nebraska College. The conference will highlight the latest academic thinking on broadband regulations and give regulators the opportunity to interact with leading scholars in the field. On September 11, Mr. May will discuss Elon University’s Enrique Armijo’s paper, “Government-Provided Internet Access Terms of Service as Speech Rules,” along with Jason Llorenz of Rutgers University. Professor Armijo’s paper will examine the implications of government-provided access to high-speed Internet for public safety, free expression, and digital development in urban spaces. For additional information, click here.
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YouTube Video Available for FSF’s June 25 Policy Seminar
A video of the Free State Foundation’s policy seminar titled, “Reforming Communications Policy in the Digital Age: The Path Forward,” held on June 25, 2014, at the Capitol Visitors Center is available on YouTube here. Senator John Thune, the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, delivered the Opening Keynote Address, followed by FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai, who provided a view from the FCC. Panel participants John Bergmayer, Public Knowledge, Scott Cleland, Precursor LLC, and Adam Thierer, Mercatus Center at George Mason University, discussed their divergent views on the proper path forward for communications policy.*****
FSF President Randolph May to Participate in ACUS 60th Plenary Session
Randolph May, President of the Free State Foundation and a Public Member of the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), is participating in the ACUS 60th Plenary Session on June 5-6, 2014, in Washington, DC. The Assembly will discuss and consider four recommendations: Resolving FOIA Disputes Through Targeted ADR Strategies, Government in the Sunshine Act, Guidance in the Rulemaking Process, and Ex Parte Communications in Informal Rulemaking. ACUS is an independent federal agency. Its mission is to promote improvements in the efficiency, adequacy, and fairness of the procedures by which federal agencies conduct regulatory programs, administer grants and benefits, and perform related governmental functions. The ACUS membership is composed of federal officials and experts with diverse views and backgrounds from both the private sector and academia.
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C-SPAN Videos and Conference Photos Available!
Thanks to C-SPAN for covering our entire conference on March 18. The C-SPAN videos may be accessed here. Some of the conference photos may be viewed here.
Agenda for FSF’s Sixth Annual Telecom Policy Conference Released!
The Free State Foundation is pleased to announce the release of the agenda for its Sixth Annual Telecom Policy Conference, Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the National Press Club. The Opening Keynote Address will be delivered by FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, and FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly will participate in the lunchtime “Conversation” with FSF President Randolph May. FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen will provide the Closing Keynote Address. For details on the expert panelists, please see the agenda. Registration for the conference is complimentary, but you must register to attend. To register, please click here.
2013
FSF President Randolph May to Participate in “Spectrum Auctions and Band Plans” Webinar November 19
Randolph May, President of the Free State Foundation, will participate in a webinar on November 19 hosted by the Digital Policy Institute (DPI), an interdisciplinary research think tank based at Ball State University. Other panelists joining Mr. May for this webinar, “Spectrum Auctions and Band Plans: Maximizing Auction Revenues and Minimizing Post-Auction Problems,” are Preston Padden, Executive Director of the Broadcaster’s Coalition, and Rick Kaplan, Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning at the National Association of Broadcasters. Among the many key legal and policy issues the panel will address are: the FCC’s proposed system for broadcasters choosing to relinquish spectrum; whether eligibility restrictions on wireless carriers wanting to bid would reduce the overall auction revenues and, correspondingly, broadcasters’ incentives to cede spectrum; the methods whereby broadcasters not choosing to give up spectrum but are relocated in repacked spectrum will be reimbursed for their costs; and the continued availability of broadcast service for TV viewers. The webinar, Tuesday, November 19, 2 p.m., EST, will go live here just prior to start time.
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Videos Available for FSFs’ October 24 Lunch Seminar!
Two YouTube videos are available of the Free State Foundation’s “A New FCC or the Same Old, Same Old?” lunch seminar at the National Press Club, October 24, 2013. Congressman Bob Latta, Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered keynote remarks offering his ideas for reforming communications policy in a less regulatory direction and for reorienting the FCC’s mission. A panel of senior industry officials and leading academics discussed, with the arrival of a new FCC Chairman and Commissioner expected shortly, whether the FCC should reorient its mission and its way of doing business. How? Can it accomplish such changes itself or does Congress need to act?
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Video Now Available for FSF’s “If I Were the FCC Chairman” Lunch Seminar
A video is available of the Free State Foundation’s “If I Were the FCC Chairman” lunch seminar at the National Press Club, June 4, 2013. The speakers, who discussed what they would do if they were the new FCC Chairman, were Gail MacKinnon, Executive Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer, Time Warner Cable; Craig Silliman, Senior Vice President for Public Policy & Government Affairs, Verizon Communications; and Gigi B. Sohn, President & CEO, Public Knowledge; and moderator Randolph J. May, President of The Free State Foundation. You can watch the YouTube video here.
Speakers Announced for FSF’s “If I Were the FCC Chairman…” Lunch Seminar
The speakers have been announced for the Free State Foundation’s “If I Were the FCC Chairman…” lunch seminar at the National Press Club, June 4, 2013. The seminar will feature nationally-recognized senior leaders in the communications policy field who will discuss what they would do if they were the new FCC Chairman. Register now!
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Videos and Slideshow are Available of FSF’s Fifth Annual Telecom Policy Conference
Videos and a slideshow of event photos are available for viewing in right column boxes on this page.
Senator Rubio’s FSF Speech Available
We were very pleased that Senator Marco Rubio delivered his first major address on communications policies and telecom priorities at the Free State Foundation’s Fifth Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference. Sen. Rubio is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and its Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet. Here is a link to the written copy of Sen. Rubio’s speech, and you can view a video of his presentation here.
Video of FSF President Randolph May’s conversation with FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai is Now Available
The March 21, 2013, Free State Foundation Fifth Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference opened with FSF President Randolph May’s conversation with FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai. During the conversation, Commissioner Pai discussed his regulatory philosophy, reforming FCC processes, the FCC’s IP Transition proceeding, broadband policy, net neutrality mandates, spectrum auctions, video regulation, and much more. You can view a video of their conversation here.
Revised Agenda Available for FSF Fifth Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference
A revised agenda for the Free State Foundation’s Fifth Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference, “Completing the Transition to a Digital World: How to Finish the Job and Why It Matters,” has been released. Please note that due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, Senator Marco Rubio will deliver his keynote address at 1:00 p.m. during lunch. The conference will open with FSF President Randolph May’s conversation with FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai. There will be three panels featuring an outstanding line-up of leading experts from government, industry, and academia discussing the most important communications policy issues of the day. Register now for the March 21, 2013, conference.
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Video Available of FSF’s January 23 Book Event
A video is available for viewing in right column box on this page.
FSF Book Luncheon
Register now for the Free State Foundation’s Wednesday, January 23, 2013, luncheon to celebrate FSF’s new book, “Communications Law and Policy in the Digital Age: The Next Five Years,” at the National Press Club. Several of the book’s contributing authors, all prominent scholars and experts in the field of communications policy, will discuss their chapters and lead a lively, interactive exchange concerning today’s hottest-topic issues. Speakers include: Christopher Yoo, Professor, University of Pennsylvania Law School and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors – “Internet Policy Going Forward: Does One Size Still Fit All?“; Daniel Lyons, Professor, Boston College Law School, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors – “Reforming the Universal Service Fund for the Digital Age“; Ellen Goodman, Professor, Rutgers School of Law – Camden, and Member of FSF’s Board of Academic Advisors – “Public Media Policy Reform and Digital Age Realities“; and Seth Cooper, FSF Research Fellow – “Restoring a Minimal Regulatory Environment for a Healthy Wireless Future.”
2012
Videos and Slideshow Available of FSF’s October 18 Lunch Seminar
Two videos and a slideshow of event photos are available for viewing in right column boxes on this page.
FSF’s Lunch Seminar – October 18!
Register now for the Free State Foundation’s “Ideas for Communications Law and Policy Reform in 2013” Lunch Seminar, Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the National Press Club, 11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The ideas discussed will include both those that involve revising the Communications Act and proposals for reform of communications policy by the Federal Communications Commission. The program will open with a conversation concerning FCC reform between FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell and FSF President Randolph May. This conversation will be followed by a panel discussion by some of the nation’s leading think tankers, each of whom has studied communications law and policy for many years: Robert Atkinson, President, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation; James Gattuso, Senior Research Fellow in Regulatory Policy, The Heritage Foundation; David Honig, President, Minority Media & Telecommunications Council; and Adam Thierer, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center.
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FSF May 30, 2012 Seminar Covered Live by C-SPAN!
View C-SPAN’s video of the Free State Foundation’s seminar, “The Multi-Stakeholder Private Internet Governance Model: Can It Survive Threats From The UN?” The event was held May 30, 2012, at the National Press Club.
FSF’s Lunch Seminar – May 30!
Register now for the Free State Foundation’s lunch seminar, May 30, 2012, 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the National Press Club. The seminar, titled “The Multi-Stakeholder Private Internet Governance Model: Can It Survive Threats From The UN?,” will address threats to the survival of the current multi-stakeholder privatized Internet governance model posed by competing government-control models put forward in the United Nation’s International Telecommunications Union and other international venues. The seminar will focus especially on the upcoming World Conference on International Telecommunications 2012 (WCIT – 12), to be held this coming December, at which Internet governance issues are expected to be addressed. The lead speakers will be Richard Beaird, Senior Deputy United States Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy – Department of State, and FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell. The commenters will be Jacquelynn Ruff, Vice President, International Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Verizon; Gigi Sohn, President, Public Knowledge; and Richard Whitt, Director and Managing Counsel for Public Policy, Google.*****
FSF Fourth Annual Telecom Policy Conference Video Now Available!
Videos of the Free State Foundation’s Fourth Annual Telecom Policy Conference, “The Internet World: Will It Remain Free From Public Utility Regulation?” held on March 20, 2012, at the National Press Club, are available by clicking below. For your convenience, the conference video is broken into five segments – the three keynote presentations of Steve Moore, Mignon Clyburn, and Danny Weitzner, plus Panels I & II.
Conference Video Links:
Conversation With FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Closing Remarks of White House Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Internet Policy Danny Weitzner
Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20 is the Free State Foundation Annual Telecom Policy Conference!
An outstanding line-up of speakers will discuss and debate the conference theme, “The Internet World: Will It Remain Free From Public Utility Regulation?” Highlights include opening keynoter Steve Moore, the award-winning Wall Street Journal senior economics writer and editorial board member, and widely acclaimed CNBC and Fox News Channel television commentator. The lunch program will feature a lively and informative conversation with FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn concerning her approach to her job and current FCC issues. Closing remarks will be delivered by Danny Weitzner, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, who will discuss Internet policy, including privacy. In addition, leading senior industry executives, FCC chiefs, and nationally-recognized academic experts will debate the most important communications policy issues of the day, including Internet policy and net neutrality, privacy regulation, wireless regulation, the spectrum crunch and spectrum auctions, Universal Service reform, media regulation, FCC merger reviews, FCC institutional reform, and more. The agenda and registration is here. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served, but registration is required to attend.
Agenda Available for FSF’s Fourth Annual Telecom Policy Conference
The agenda is now available for the Free State Foundation’s Fourth Annual Telecom Policy Conference. The conference is Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. at the National Press Club. The agenda and registration information is here.
Wall Street Journal’s Steve Moore to Deliver Opening Keynote Address at FSF’s March Conference
Steve Moore, Editorial Board Member and Senior Economics Writer for the Wall Street Journal, will deliver the opening keynote address at the Free State Foundation’s Fourth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at the National Press Club. He joins FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who will participate in a lunchtime keynote conversation with FSF President Randolph May. In addition, an outstanding line-up of leading experts from government, industry, academia, and think tanks will discuss and debate the most important communications policy issues of the day. The conference theme is “The Internet World: Will It Remain Free From Public Utility Regulation?”Register here.
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn Joins FSF’s March Conference Lineup in Keynote Role
In an annual conference tradition, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and FSF President Randolph May will participate in a lunchtime conversation at the Free State Foundation’s Fourth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at the National Press Club. An outstanding line-up of leading experts from government, industry, academia, and think tanks will discuss and debate the most important communications policy issues of the day. This year’s conference theme is: “The Internet World: Will It Remain Free From Public Utility Regulation?” Register now!
2011:
Program Available
Here is the program brochure for tomorrow’s Free State Foundation’s October 12, 2011, Fifth Anniversary Celebration Lunch at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. If you have not registered and would like to attend, please click here for registration information.
2011
FSF’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration Lunch Seminar!
The Free State Foundation invites you to help celebrate its Fifth Anniversary of its founding at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on October 12, 2011. Sen. Jim DeMint, Ranking Member, Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Vice-Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, will deliver opening keynote remarks, and Rep. Cliff Stearns, Chairman, House Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, will deliver the closing keynote remarks. We want you to celebrate with us, as we look back at the past five years, and, most importantly, ahead to the next five. Indeed, the theme of our program is: “Communications Law and Policy in the Digital Age: The Next Five Years.” A complimentary lunch will be served, subject to space limitations and reservations. Registernow!*****
Video Available
A link to the video of the Free State Foundation’s Universal Service/Intercarrier Compensation Reform Seminar, held Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the National Press Club, is here.
Reminder!
Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 13, 2011, is the Free State Foundation’s Universal Service/Intercarrier Compensation Reform Seminar at the National Press Club. We have a great line up of experts who will explore all the controversial issues surrounding the FCC’s USF/ICC reform proposals. A link to the speakers’ bios is here.
Mark Your Calendar for FSF’s Seminar on July 13, 2011!
Plan to attend the Free State Foundation’s Seminar on July 13, 2011, 8:45-11:00 a.m., at the National Press Club, Washington, DC. Expert speakers will explore issues concerning the FCC’s promise — yet again — to reform the uneconomic and inefficient legacy Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation subsidy regimes. The FCC is promising to act this summer, so this seminar could not be more timely. And, with the current Universal Service surcharge at 15% for all long distance and international calls, the topic couldn’t be more important for consumers confronting taxing times.
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Lunch Seminar, April 12, 2011
Register now to hear Rep. Cliff Stearns, Chairman of the House Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, deliver opening keynote remarks at the Free State Foundation’s April 12, 2011, Lunch Seminar, “Regulatory Reform at the FCC: Why Not Now?” At the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C., Congressman Stearns and an expert panel, including FCC Chief of Staff Edward Lazarus, will explore issues relating to regulatory reform and institutional change at the Federal Communications Commission. The speakers’ bios are here.
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Third Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference Covered Live by C-SPAN
The Free State Foundation’s Third Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference, held on February 4, 2011, was covered live by C-SPAN. Watch C-SPAN’s coverage of the conference here.
Third Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference
Register now for the Free State Foundation’s Third Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference — Friday, February 4, 2011, at the National Press Club. The agenda is available here. An outstanding lineup of speakers will discuss and debate hot-button communications policy issues, including net neutrality, and broadband and spectrum policy. FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker will deliver the opening keynote address, and FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell will participate in a lunchtime conversation.
2010
Looking Forward: Will Congress Establish Broadband Policy?
The video from the Free State Foundation’s October 12, 2010, seminar entitled, “Looking Forward: Will Congress Establish Broadband Policy?”, is now available here. The seminar featured top congressional staff members from both parties and from both the House of Representatives and the Senate Commerce Committees discussing broadband policy and net neutrality, spectrum policy, universal reform, and other communications policy issues.
On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, join Free State Foundation for lunch and a discussion considering all the angles of Congress’s various ideas for legislation clarifying the FCC’s authority to regulate broadband Internet service providers. The program will be from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, D.C. in the Congressional Meeting Room North. Featured speakers include: Neil Fried, Senior Counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee; David Quinalty, Professional Staff Member, Senate Commerce Committee; Daniel Sepulveda, Senior Advisor, Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet; and Bruce Wolpe, Senior Advisor, House Energy and Commerce Committee. All of the event’s details are available here.*****
After Comcast: What Now for Net Neutrality?
The video from the program is now available here.
On Tuesday, June 1, 2010, the Free State Foundation and the Information Technology and Information are jointly presenting a program, “After Comcast: What’s Net for Net Neutrality?” The program will be from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at ITIF’s offices located 1101 K Street, Nw, Suite 610, Washington, DC. Featured speakers include: Richard Bennett, Research Fellow, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation; James Cicconi, Senior Executive Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T; Eric Klinker, Chief Executive Officer, BitTorrent; Randolph May, President, Free State Foundation; James Speta, Professor, Northwestern University School of Law; and Steven Teplitz, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Time Warner Cable. All the event details are here.
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The FCC’s “Future of Media” Inquiry: What Is the FCC Doing – And Why?
This April 16, 2010, event at noon at the National Press Club will feature the FCC’s Steven Waldman, who is leading the FCC’s inquiry. Other speakers include James Taranto, the editor of the Wall Street Journal’s OpinionJournal.com; Donna Gregg, FSF Adjunct Senior Fellow and former chief of the FCC’s Media Bureau; and Deborah Taylor Tate, FSF Distinguished Adjunct Senior Fellow and former FCC Commissioner. All of the details are here. The video from FSF’s “Future of Media” program held on April 16, 2010, at the National Press Club is now available here. *****
The Free State Foundation’s Annual Winter Telecom Conference Video
The video from FSF’s Annual Winter Telecom Policy Conference held on January 29, 2010, at the National Press Club are now available. The links to the various sessions are below:
Welcome and Introduction by Free State Foundation President Randolph J. May and Opening Keynote Address by FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell – Click here.
Panel 1: “The FCC’s Broadband Plan: The Good, The Bad, and the Just So-So?” – Click here. This panel features: Stuart Benjamin, FCC; Jeffrey Campbell, Cisco; Steven Davis, Qwest; Steve Largent, CTIA, Thomas Power, NTIA; Paul de Sa, FCC; and Joe Waz, Comcast.
Panel 2: “Net Neutrality Regulation: Why Now – Or Ever?” – Click here. This panel features: Robert Atkinson, ITIF; Rick Whitt, Google; Kyle McSlarrow, NCTA; Howard Shelanski, FTC; Tom Tauke, Verizon; and Christopher Yoo, University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Luncheon Program: “Conversation on FCC’s Policies and Processes,” with FCC Chief of Staff Edward Lazarus and Free State Foundation President Randolph May – Click here.
A PDF version of the conference agenda is here.
2009
Free State Foundation Distinguished Adjunct Senior Fellow Deborah Taylor Tate will moderate a program on cybersecurity at the ITU Telecom World 2009 conference in Geneva. The program, entitled, “Managing Digital Identity: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly,” is on October 6, 2009. More information about the program is here.*****
On September 10, 2009, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, the Free State Foundation will hold an event at the National Press Club to celebrate the release of its new book, “New Directions in Communications Policy.” Keynote speakers are Meredith Attwell Baker, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission, and Blair Levin, Executive Director of the FCC’s Omnibus Broadband Initiative. Other speakers include Professors James Speta, Christopher Yoo, and John Mayo, all nationally known experts in telecommunications law and policy. Cleckhere for program and registration information and here for theagenda.
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FSF President Randolph J. May participates as a speaker in a July 31 program titled, “Agencies of Change: Exploring Institutional Reform at the FCC and FERC,” at the American Bar Association Annual Meeting in Chicago.
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The Free State Foundation will hold a lunch seminar on June 5, 2009, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm entitled, “Broadband Nation: Where Does the U.S. Really Stand in the World Rankings?” The seminar will be held in Congressional Meeting Room North at the new Capitol Visitor Center. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Ambassador David A. Gross, former U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy at the U.S. Department of State, will address the progress of the U.S. concerning broadband deployment and usage and explain why the oft-cited OECD rankings do not accurately depict the true position of the U.S. vis-a-vis other countries. After his remarks, there will be reactions and comments by the panelists: Robert Atkinson, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, Link Hoewing, Verizon Communications, and Christopher Guttman-McCabe, CTIA – The Wireless Association. For more details and to register, click here. The current agenda can be found here.
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The Free State Foundation is sponsoring a conference on February 26, 2009, from 8:45 am – 4:15 pm entitled,”New Directions in Communications Policy.”The conference will be held on the 13th floor of the National Press Club. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Representative Marsha Blackburn of the House Commerce Committee will deliver an opening keynote address. Blair Levin, Managing Director of Stifel Nicolaus and Obama Transition Team Leader, will be the featured luncheon speaker. Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell, former FCC Chairman Richard Wiley, and former FCC Commissioner Deborah Tate will moderate the three panels examining several hot-topic issues confronting policymakers, including broadband policy, network neutrality, universal service, media regulation, FCC institutional reform, and the Obama Administration’s coordination of technology policy. For more details and to register, click here. The current agenda can be found here.
2008
The Free State Foundation is sponsoring a seminar on October 24, 2008, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm entitled, “Archaic Intercarrier Compensation and Universal Service Regimes: Proposals for Reform,” featuring Gerald Brock, Professor of Telecommunication and of Public Policy and Public Administration at the George Washington University and John Mayo, Professor of Economics, Business and Public Policy and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate will deliver Introductory Remarks. The seminar will be held in Room 2322, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. A complimentary lunch will be provided. For more details and to register, click here. Professor Brock’s Powerpoint slides are here and Professor Mayo’s are here.
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The Free State Foundation is sponsoring a seminar on September 26, 2008, from 11:45 AM – 1:45 pm entitled, “Delivering Media Content in a New Technological Environment: An Exploration of Policy Implications,” featuring Steven S. Wildman, James H. Quello Chair of Telecommunication Studies and Co-Director of the Quello Center for Telecommunication Management and Law at Michigan State University, and FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell. The seminar will be held at the National Academy of Public Administration, 900 7th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC. A complimentary lunch will be provided. For more details and to register, click here.
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The Free State Foundation is sponsoring a seminar on April 28, 2008, from 12 noon – 2:00 pm entitled, “Reforming Universal Service: What Should Be Done and How to Do It.” The seminar will be held in Room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building. A complimentary lunch will be provided. A distinguished group of experts will discuss what should be done on a short and long-term basis to reform the system. For more details and to register, click here.
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On April 3, 2008, FSF President Randolph May will moderate a program entitled “FCC Reform: Changing the Institution” sponsored by the American Bar Association’s Section of Administrative Law and Regualtory Practice. The topic is timely and the program features a stellar line-up of speakers. All the details and a registration form are here.
2007
The Free State Foundation and the Institute for Policy Innovation are co-sponsoring a conference–“The Federal Unbundling Commission?”–on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, on Capitol Hill. The conference will explore whether proposed or adopted regulations requiring broadband service operators to unbundle their networks, content, and applications constitute sound communications policies. Senator Jim DeMint and Representative Marsha Blackburn, both members of the Commerce committees with jurisdiction over the Federal Communications Commission, will deliver keynote addresses at the October 30 conference. Sen. DeMint and Rep. Blackburn are two of the nation’s most articulate and knowledgeable advocates of market-oriented communications policy reform. Senator DeMint will deliver the opening keynote and Representative Blackburn will deliver the luncheon address. FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate will introduce Rep. Blackburn and deliver brief remarks. The event will feature many notable public policymakers, scholars, and industry experts. For more details and registration information, click here. The entire program booklet with the agenda and speaker bios is here.
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Free State Foundation President Randolph J. May will debate Christopher Libertelli, Senior Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, North America, Skype Limited, at the Fourth Annual Conference on Spectrum Management sponsored by Law Seminars International on Tuesday, September 18. The topic: “The Debate over Net Neutrality and Its Potential Impact on Spectrum Policy.” The debate takes place at 1:30 PM at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC. *****
On August 1, 2007, at noon, FSF President Randolph J. May will speak to the Baltimore Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society. The topic is “The Future of Internet Regulation: Will Free Speech and Property Rights Prevail?” The event details are here.*****
Free State Foundation President Randolph J. May participates in the KMB Video Journal Conference on “Building the Next Generation Broadband Networks: What Are the Issues?” On May 8, 2007, Mr. May is speaking on the topic, “State Versus Interstate Issues Regarding Broadband Policy: What Has Been Preempted and Why.” *****
On April 30, 2007, Randolph J. May, Free State Foundation President, will be a witness at a hearing convened by the New York City Council Committee on Technology in Government to consider net neutrality. Click here for his testimony.*****
Free State Foundation President Randolph May is a panelist in the first session of the FCC’s Open Internet Roundtable seriesscheduled for September 16, 2014. This first Roundtable session, titled “Tailoring Policy to Harms,” will address “Policy Approaches to Ensure an Open Internet.” Two fundamental questions will be discussed: what are the harms to Internet openness in the absence of open Internet regulations, and what are the right policies to address those harms? Mr. May’s fellow panelists are Althea Erickson, Etsy; Julie Kearney, Consumer Electronics Association; Barbara van Schewick, Stanford University; Michael Weinberg, Public Knowledge; and David Young, Verizon, along with moderators Julie Veach, Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC and Matthew DelNero, Deputy Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC. The roundtables are free and open to the public, and the FCC also will stream them live at http://www.fcc.gov/live. For addition information, click here.
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Free State Foundation President Randolph J. May is a panelist during a three-day conference at the FCC, cosponsored by the American Enterprise Institute’s Center for Internet, Communications, and Technology Policy and the University of Nebraska College. The conference will highlight the latest academic thinking on broadband regulation and give regulators the opportunity to interact with leading scholars in the field. On September 11, Mr. May will discuss Elon University’s Enrique Armijo’s paper “Government‐Provided Internet Access Terms of Service as Speech Rules,” along with Jason Llorenz of Rutgers University. Professor Armijo’s paper will examine the implications of government‐provided access to high‐speed Internet for public safety, free expression, and digital development in urban spaces. For additional information, click here.