This book documents the dramatic changes in the field of electronic media in the past decade and provides informed insights in the exciting, and changes yet to come. It examines the transition in broadcasting from analog to digital transmission and the changing business models of electronic media.

Film Policy is the first comprehensive overview of the workings of the international film industry. The authors examine film cultures and film policy across the world, explaining why Hollywood cinema dominates the global film market, and the effects of the rise of television and video on the international industry. In a series of case studies drawn from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia, the authors explore the relationship between Hollywood cinema product and national film cultures, and trace the development of international and national film policies, looking at issues of financing, regulation, protectionism and censorship.

Discusses the why and how of globalization of the mass media, examines U.S. communications policy options that could enable U.S.-based mass media firms to better compete in international and domestic markets, explores the trend of expanding foreign direct investment and exports, and looks at regulatory and technological changes affecting international competition. Makes recommendations for changes to enable greater participation by U.S. firms in foreign broadcasting markets.

Rapid developments in technology are reshaping how citizens receive and use information electronically. At the same time, government regulation limits the services that may be offered by the industries that transmit information, and will determine how interactive and other advanced video services are able to develop. In this book, Richard Klingler traces the evolution of regulatory regimes that constrain the broadcasting, telephone, and cable television industries, as well as emerging information services. He also examines new information delivery systems and the integration of electronic carriage with provision of content and information services, including services that resemble printed products. Klingler describes two basic challenges to current regulation of these industries. First, established regulatory regimes often harm competition and the development of services in industries that are increasingly interrelated and rapidly changing. He outlines how recent developments contradict basic assumptions underlying the structure of current regulation and how regulation might better respond to those developments. Second, the Constitution limits regulation of these industries as they increasingly engage in activities protected by the First Amendment. Klingler shows how the First Amendment, as recently elaborated, applies to electronic transmission of information and likely precludes certain forms of regulation, including established regulation of the content of communications. The book also examines how regulation designed to limit market power in these industries can be reconciled with the First Amendment.

"The only continuing source that helps users analyze, plan, design, evaluate, and manage integrated telecommunications networks, systems, and services, The Froehlich/Kent Encyclopedia of Telecommunications presents both basic and technologically advanced knowledge in the field. An ideal reference source for both newcomers as well as seasoned specialists, the Encyclopedia covers seven key areas--Terminals and Interfaces; Transmission; Switching, Routing, and Flow Control; Networks and Network Control; Communications Software and Protocols; Network and system Management; and Components and Processes."

In the last decade, the technology, regulation, and industry structure of our information infrastructure (telephone services, cable and broadcast television, and myriad new data and information services) have changed dramatically. Since the break-up of AT&T's Bell System monopoly, telephone services in the United States are no longer purchased from a single firm. Advances in fiber optics, wireless communications and software-controlled switching are changing how communication services are provided. As the global economy grows more dependent on a hybrid mix of interconnected networks, public officials in the US and abroad are relinquishing control of the market. All of these changes are affecting the quality and reliability of the telecommunications infrastructure, but informed discussions of the public policy and economic issues are scarce. Deregulation and increased competition have lowered prices, but have service quality and reliability suffered? Do advanced network technologies which make it possible to offer a dizzying array of new services increase vulnerability to system-wide failures? Who should or is likely to bear the costs of increased -- or decreased -- service quality? This volume tackles the economic and public policy issues raised by these difficult questions for an audience of industry executives, scholars, and policymakers. Leading scholars and analysts examine such issues as the effects of network ownership on incentives to invest in quality improvements and/or strategies for quality-differentiated pricing in tomorrow's broadband, integrated networks. They analyze the quality of current telecommunications networks and the impact of re-regulation on cable television quality. The contributions range from new microeconomic theory to new empirical research. As such, the volume makes a valuable contribution to the public debate on network quality and reliability. It will be useful both as an introduction to newcomers and as a resource for more experienced researchers. As regulatory, industry and national barriers to integrated communications fall, these issues are likely to become even more important. The research presented here provides a solid foundation for further discussion.