FCC Practice

Representative Matters

• Broadcasters on DTV Transition.  Covington has represented the broadcast industry and individual broadcasters and affiliate boards for nearly two decades on the incredible range of technical, legal and policy issues surrounding the transition to digital television.  This has involved technical analysis, shaping policy arguments, and developing legal analysis to support the Commission’s actions in this area.    
• Media Ownership.  We represented the CBS and NBC Affiliates on the FCC’s media ownership proceeding, both before the FCC and on appeal.  We developed detailed economic analysis of the various media markets and worked closely with the FCC staff and Commissioner offices to address the numerous issues raised in this proceeding.  When the FCC’s decision raised the network ownership cap, we turned to Congress to reverse that decision.  And when the FCC decision was appealed, our appellate lawyers participated in that case on behalf of the affiliates, building on our deep knowledge of the proceeding. 
• Wireline Competition.  We represent TDS Telecom on a range of wireline issues before the FCC, including universal service, ETC regulation, intercarrier compensation and CALEA.  We represent the world’s largest independent directory assistance providers on a range of issues before the FCC, including retail competition. 
• Microsoft.  We represent Microsoft before the FCC on various issuing surrounding its Media Center and DRM products.  We obtained FCC recognition of Windows Media Digital Rights Management software as a permissible means to handle digital content.  We also represent the company in ongoing rulemakings and waiver petitions involving plug-and-play issues, including industry-wide efforts to resolve these issues. 
• Fax Business Coalition.  We represented a coalition of 600 companies and trade associations advocating the FCC to amend its rules to enable business to use faxes to contact their customers.  When Congress adopted a law allowing those faxes, we represented the coalition before Congress on implementing this law. 

Accolades

• Chambers USA, leading Communications practice (2004-2007).
• Chambers USA, leading Communications Finance practice (2006).
• Chambers USA, leading Media and Entertainment practice (2006-2007).
• Practical Law Company,  leading Communications practice (2005-2006).
• International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers, two attorneys recognized for Regulatory Communications (2005-2006).
• Best Lawyers in America, Covington partners are listed for First Amendment and Media law (2006).
• Our partners have significant experience outside of the practice ─ for example, on Capitol Hill, where they were deeply involved in the development of telecommunications legislation, and in the executive suites of major and highly visible media companies.
• Our partners have over the years held leadership positions in major associations in the media field ─ including the Federal Communications Bar Association, the International Radio and Television Society Foundation, the Media Institute and the Media Law Resource Center. 
• A Covington partner has recently served as president of the Defense Council Section of the Media Law Resource Center, the national organization of media defense attorneys, and as president of the First Amendment Advisory Council of the Media Institute.
• A Covington partner received the Sprague Award and the President’s Medal from the National Press Photographers Association for service to the First Amendment.