For example, it doesn't take into account the lobbying expenditures of Disney, Westinghouse, and General Electric, owners of the three major TV networks. Former Senate majority leader George Mitchell has been nominated to join Disney's board of directors. Republicans hardly have a lock on lobbying connections. DErm include former Senate majority leader Mitchell, former Treasury secretary Lloyd Bentsen, and former Texas governor Ann Richards. Of course, the broadcasting industry is not the only lobby that makes big campaign contributions and hires powerful lobbyists.
Broadcasters are a major presence in every congressional district in the country.
They also control how, and if, Congress members appear on television. That makes legislators extremely reluctant to take them on. Return on investment Broadcasters have won a lot of important victories, but they may not want to break out the champagne just yet. The 1996 Telecommunications Act permits the FCC to levy fees on broadcasters who use digital technology to offer subscription-based services. The Clinton administration also has been eyeing this swath of spectrum to raise money for rebuilding US schools.