December 4, 2006

  Inside This Issue

» Oppose the Audio Flag
» Regulatory News
» International News
» Environmental Policy
» GAC Meeting at CES
» GAC Members-Only Website
 

  Upcoming Policy Events

» GAC Conference Call, December 19, 2006
» 2007 International CES, January 8-11, 2007
 

 


CEA Urges Congress to Oppose the Audio Flag
In November, CEA launched a new advertisement in Roll Call and The Hill, urging members of Congress to oppose the "audio flag."

Citing statements made by the recording industry, the ad points out that moving a song from your CD to your iPod is not infringement.

Additional Links:  Oppose the Audio Flag Ad (Nov. 2006)

Contact: Michael Petricone or Veronica O'Connell


2007 International CES Approaches
The 2007 International CES will be held in Las Vegas, NV from January 8 through January 11, 2007. This year's keynotes include Microsoft's Bill Gates, Motorola's Ed Zander, Walt Disney Corp.'s Robert Iger, Dell's Michael Dell and CBS's Leslie Moonves.  You will also not want to miss these exciting events:

-Congress Talks Tech (Monday, Jan. 8, 10:30-11:30am, LVCC North Hall N264)

-Using Your Wireless Device on an Airplane: Solutions, Policies and Next Steps (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 10:30-11:30am, LVCC South Hall, S102-103)

Get Ready for the End of Analog TV and Say Hello to HDTV (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2:00-3:00pm, LVCC North Hall N257)

-Being Green: Federal and State Policy Developments in Electronics Recycling (Wednesday, Jan. 10, 12:00-1:00pm, LVCC North Hall N253)

-Saving Energy with Electronics (Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1:30-2:30pm, LVCC North Hall N253)

-State Recycling Requirements for CE Manufacturers and Retailers in the U.S.  (Wednesday, Jan. 10, 3:00-5:00pm, LVCC South Hall S106-107)

Additional Links:  www.cesweb.org

Contact: Michael Petricone


Digital Freedom Campaign Co-Sponsors CMJ Festival
In early November, the Digital Freedom Campaign co-sponsored the 2006 CMJ Music Marathon in New York City.  The festival, which celebrates the best in new music, film and pop culture, includes many independent musicians and filmmakers.  On Saturday, November 4, the Digital Freedom Campaign hosted a party at New York's popular Tonic club.

Additional Links: www.digitalfreedom.org

Contact Michael Petricone or Veronica O'Connell


CEA Addresses DTV Transition-CableCARD Issues in Letter to Government Leaders
On November 20, CEA sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce John Kneuer, FCC Chairman Martin and Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate and McDowell addressing an Oct. 31 letter from the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA).  CEA's letter describes its efforts to promote the DTV transition and competitive availability of devices used to receive cable programming. 

Additional Links: CEA Letter 112006

Contact: Julie Kearney


CEA Files Comments in FCC's Annual Video Competition Proceeding
On November 29, CEA filed comments in the FCC's Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming (MB Docket No. 06-189).

CEA's comments provide data on recent trends in digital TV sales, the increase in high definition programming available and the importance of achieving competition through CableCARD devices.  CEA also provides information on its efforts to educate consumers about DTV services and equipment. 

Additional Links:  CEA Comments 112906

Contact: Julie Kearney


FCC Rules in Favor of Continental Airlines

On November 1, the FCC ruled in favor of Continental Airlines, which had filed a Petition for Declaratory Ruling regarding its installation and use of a Wi-Fi antenna within its lounge at Logan Airport in Boston.

CEA filed comments in support of Continental.

Additional Links:  FCC Order 110106; CEA Press Release 110106

Contact: Julie Kearney

International Trade Promotion Reception at CES

Wednesday, January 10
6 - 8 pm
LVCC, Room TBD
Hosted by the Nevada Development Authority

Network with top trade officials from the State of Nevada, the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border Control to learn about their trade services for companies interested in export and import opportunities. Other local officials will also be on hand to discuss how import and export programs can be catered to your company’s needs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight about expanding your business to the growing international market. Complementary food and beverage will be served. For more information email Schandler@ce.org.

CEA Regulatory Updates Available Exclusively to CEA Members
As an exclusive benefit to members, CEA provides regulatory updates on US and EU Environmental Compliance. Some of the recent documents available include:
-European Parliament Votes in Favor of Restrictions on Mercury in Certain Measuring Devices (November 2006).
-European Commission Launches Stakeholder Consultation on Proposed Further Exemptions from RoHS Substance Restrictions (November 2006).
-Commission Decisions Amending RoHS Annex Published in Official Journal (October 2006).

For a copy of CEA's Regulatory Update on these and many other issues, please visit http://members.ce.org/epc and click on "EU Environmental Compliance" on the left side of the page.  

If you have any problems logging into the EPC page or accessing the documents, please email jgrossman@ce.org

For EPC-related questions, please contact Parker Brugge.

CEAPAC:
CEAPAC is the only political action committee representing the consumer electronics industry.

CEAPAC is funded through voluntary contributions from CEA's eligible employees and the executive and administrative personnel of CEA's corporate members.  No corporate contributions to CEAPAC are allowed under federal law.  Contributions to CEAPAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.  Before CEAPAC can solicit contributions from our member companies' executive and administrative personnel, the member company must authorize CEAPAC to solicit its eligible employees.  The member company must designate the calendar year for which the solicitations can occur.

For us to build your industry PAC, we need to receive your company's authorization form as soon as possible.  If you have questions or would like to learn more about CEAPAC, contact Stacie Aman.

GAC Meeting at CES
CEA's Government Affairs Council (GAC) will meet at CES on Sunday, January 7, 2007 from 12:00pm - 1:30pm in the LVCC South Hall S112/S113.  Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP to David Grossman (jgrossman@ce.org).


CEA Member?

CEA's Member-Only website offers the latest Government Affairs news, contact information, and documents.
Looking for the latest minutes and agendas from the GAC and its working groups? Login today!

Interested in Joining the GAC?
Email publicpolicy@CE.org for more information


CEA Government Affairs Staff

Michael Petricone
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

Julie Kearney
Senior Director & Regulatory Counsel
Parker Brugge
Senior Director & Environmental Counsel

Veronica O’Connell
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Douglas Johnson
Senior Director, Technology Policy

Sage Chandler
Senior Director, International Trade
Stacie Aman
Manager, PAC & Grassroots

J. David Grossman
Policy Analyst, Government Affairs
Christie McDonald
Government Affairs Coordinator
Mark Ritacco
Government Affairs Intern

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