roundtable: journalist's query

roundtable: journalist's query

journalist's query

Jwshenk@aol.com
Tue, 9 May 1995 19:20:46 -0400 

Date: Tue, 9 May 1995 19:20:46 -0400
From: Jwshenk@aol.com
Message-Id: <950509192045_112846390@aol.com>
To: roundtable@cni.org
Subject: journalist's query


To the roundtable,

I've interviewed a number of you for my Washington Monthly story on 
lobbying, telecommunications, and the public interest in the Info 
Highway. I'm fast approaching deadline, and would very much appreciate 
any help on the requests below. You can email me at jwshenk@aol.com or 
call 202-232-1182.

1. LOBBYING facts or anecdotes: I need to demonstrate the extent and 
ferocity of the lobbying on the part of the Baby Bells, cable companies, 
and long distance companies. I have some numbers from the Center for 
Responsive Politics (PAC contributions) and Common Cause (soft money). 
Does anyone know of other sources for money information? Does anyone 
have total figures of how much any of the industries--or any particular 
company--has spent, not just on campaign contributions, etc. but on 
hiring outside counsel and other lobbying expenses.

Does anyone have ANECDOTES of lobbying strength--either from having 
witnessed it firsthand, heard from an observer, from press accounts, or 
whatever? Does anyone know instances of lobbyists boasting of their 
influence? 

2. HISTORICAL parallels: I am trying to show parallels between the 
"blue skies" promised by proponents of radio, TV and cable. Does anyone 
know of specific quotes, ideally from an industry person, touting the 
advantages of the technology for education, health care, strengthening 
the community etc.? The phrase "classroom of the air" occurs to me? Does 
anyone know the source of that?

3. Poignant examples of the PROMISE of an open, switched network. I lead 
my piece with a Bell Atlantic commercial that shows kids being educated 
by a teacher on teleconference. I also point to elements of the Internet 
that I think are examples of how technology can advance the cause of 
education, health care and participatory democracy. Everyone probably 
has their favorite example of something from the Internet, or something 
that could happen. If yours is particularly good, please let me know.

4. The COMPETITIVE advantages of an open, switched network. The last 
item is a request for favorite stories on public interest elements of 
the Internet, or public interest possibilities for the Info Highway. How 
about your favorite stories of bootstrap entrepreneurs making money and 
creating jobs by using the Internet, or by using another open network?

I appreciate your help. If you can help me, please get in touch as soon 
as possible.

Best,

Josh Shenk
Editor, The Washington Monthly
<jwshenk@aol.com>

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