Registration: 7:30am – 9:00am

Symposium: 8:30am – 2:00pm

Media/Telecommunications Breakfast

“Current State of Media and Telecommunications Policy”

8:30am – 10:00am

Location: South American (A&B)

Program Track: Media and Telecommunications Policy

Program Description: Discussions on the current state of media and telecommunications policy and its impact on civic engagement and community, specifically focusing on women, children, and minorities. The discussion will consider how to ensure that democratic concerns are a priority in media and telecommunications policy, and how to promote valued civic and cultural principles in a coarse consumer environment. An important topic of discussion will be the Digital TV transition and the adequacy of federal and private sector initiatives to ensure that low income, minority and rural Americans whom are reliant on over the air broadcasting will not be left behind when the analog stations sign off in February, 2009.

Networking Break

10:00am – 10:30am

“Creating Responsible Images in the Media”

10:30am – 12:00pm

Location: Pan American Room

Program Track: Images in the Media

Program Description: This session will explore the negative images and stereotypes that are still perpetuated in the media and what steps must be and are being taken to change them. Take to task; creating positive images.

Morning Session II

“Broadband”

10:30am – 12:00pm

Location: New York Room

Program Track: Broadband

Program Description: Much has been made recently about the “Digital Divide.” Typically this catch phrase has referred to the gap between those with access to personal computers and/or Internet access and those without it. Those in rural areas and in our inner cities, where many communities of color reside, have been among the many falling on the wrong side of the divide. Today, while PCs and dial-up Internet access have proliferated, there is a new divide that separates those with access to broadband technology and those without it. Without local network hubs to connect them to the rest of the Internet, many in the rural and inner city areas cannot benefit from high-speed access to the Internet’s backbone. Even when hubs are present, there are often few, if any “last mile” options for consumers and small businesses to physically connect to the network. Access to technology – voice, video and data - means access to information, innovation and for entrepreneurs, access to capital.  We can not afford to be technologically segregated. Our panelists will discuss the merits of a national goal of universal broadband access -- just like the goals we had for universal electrification and phone service. Hear their views of what role the government and industry should play if the cost of deploying broadband connections in some areas is more than consumers can pay.

Morning Session III

“Public Broadcasting”

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Location: California Room

Program Track: Public Broadcasting and Noncommercial Media

Program Description: In the Twenty First Century we spend a lot of time talking about new media such as the Internet and satellite but we need to remember the important role played by our public and non commercial broadcasters. They continue to offer another viewpoint in our communities and they are also embracing many of these new technologies to reach the individuals in their markets and across the world. Panelists will address how to ensure that public broadcasting system truly serves the needs of communities of color.

Networking Break

12:00pm – 12:30pm

Minority Ownership Luncheon

“Minority Ownership of Telecommunications and Media Properties”

12:30pm – 2:00pm

Location: South American (A&B)

Program Track: Minority Ownership of Telecommunications and Media Properties

Program Description: This luncheon will convene FCC Commissioners and industry experts to discuss how to increase ownership by minorities of telecommunications and media properties. In short, the current state of ownership in this country is not at all representative of the people that make up America.


Click Here for more information