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 Remarks  of  Jonathan  S.  Adelstein 
 Commissioner,  Federal  Communications  Commission 
 Association  of  Public  Television  Stations  and  National  Cable  &  Telecommunications  Association 
 Joint  Press  Conference  National  Press  Club,  Washington,  D.  C. 
 January  31,  2005 
 [as  prepared  for  delivery] 


 Thank  you  for  including  me  as  part  of  today’s  announcement.  When  I  heard  a  deal  was  reached,  it  was  absolutely  thrilling. 
 I’ve  strongly  encouraged  this  for  some  time.  I  know  a  number  of  my  colleagues  on  the  Commission  have,  as  well,  in  addition  to  many  leaders  in  Congress.  So  it’s  a  special  honor  to 
 join  you  in  celebrating  such  an  historic  achievement,  and  to  thank  you  for  your  responsiveness. 
 I  congratulate  John  Lawson,  Robert  Sachs,  each  of  their  staffs,  and  those  they  represent,  for  what  I  understand  was  a  tremendous  effort  to  achieve  this  agreement. 


 I  have  always  been  a  big  believer  in  and  a  supporter  of  public  television.  As  a  television  viewer,  a  parent,  and  an  FCC  Commissioner,  I,  like  millions  of  Americans,  understand  how 
 public  television  enriches  our  lives  and  our  communities.  My  three-  year  old  certainly  thinks  Elmo  is  a  model  citizen. 


 Not  only  does  public  TV  produce  in-  depth  and  gripping  content  today,  but  it’s  leading  the  digital  revolution  by  exploring  how  to  achieve  its  highest  potential.  From  early  on,  public  TV 
 embraced  digital  television.  Public  broadcasters  have  laid  out  specific  plans  to  produce  compelling  new  digital  content,  develop  interactive  offerings  to  educate  children  and  adults 
 alike,  enhance  local  civic  and  public  affairs  coverage,  and  expand  public  safety  services.  These  are  just  some  of  the  plans  public  TV  has  developed  or  has  in  store. 


 Public  TV  has  done  an  outstanding  job  detailing  its  vision  for  a  compelling  digital  future  that  will  clearly  serve  the  interest  of  the  public.  It’s  easy  to  see  how  the  diversity  and  range  of 
 their  digital  content  and  services  will  uplift  and  sustain  all  Americans,  including  our  nation’s  children,  teachers,  seniors,  non-  English  speakers,  those  with  disabilities,  and  so  many  other 
 underserved  populations. 
 As  we  enter  this  digital  era,  public  TV  is  truly  committed  to  addressing  the  educational,  civic  and  diverse  needs  of  local  communities  across  this  entire  country.  That’s  why  I’m  so 
 pleased  the  cable  industry  stepped  forward  and  recognized  the  tremendous  value  of  public  TV’s 
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 digital  offerings.  By  reaching  this  long-  term  agreement,  millions  of  Americans  will  benefit  from  seeing  public  TV’s  enriching  digital  content  on  their  cable  systems  nationwide.  This  is  a 
 landmark  and  forward-  thinking  deal.  It’s  a  win-  win-  win  for  the  cable  industry,  for  public  TV,  and  for  the  American  viewing  public. 


 This  is  how  Washington  should  work.  It  shows  that  these  two  groups  can  sit  down  and  work  out  an  arrangement  that  truly  serves  the  best  interests  of  the  American  public. 
 It’s  also  a  remarkable  tribute  to  the  personal  leadership  of  John  Lawson  and  Robert  Sachs,  and  the  many  different  interests  they  represent.  It’s  truly  leadership  at  its  best  here  in  the 
 nation’s  capital.  Best  of  all,  it’s  an  approach  that  will  endure  despite  any  legal  challenges  that  would  confront  a  governmental  effort  to  achieve  the  same  goals. 


 After  months  of  hard  work,  both  John  and  Robert  can  be  proud  knowing  you  did  your  part  to  better  our  society  with  this  truly  historic  agreement.  And  Robert,  I  can’t  help  but  mention 
 how  much  all  of  us  at  the  FCC  will  miss  you.  You  are  always  such  a  class  act.  Your  industry  has  certainly  been  well  served  by  your  leadership. 
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