Parroting the talking points that Comcast and its lobbyists have been spreading around official Washington since the company was busted by the Associated Press for its Internet throttling activities last year, FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell is arguing the FCC needs to defer to big Internet service providers when it comes to the vital information pipeline. We think allowing the fox to guard the hen house has almost always been a bad idea. But it is inexcusable when a government official such as McDowell – an official who is charged with looking out for the public – rushes to the defense of a fox who has just been caught with a mouth full of feathers.

There are increasing rumors the Federal Communications Commission is about to quietly ram through new rules written by wireless phone industry covering those ubiquitous early termination penalties they charge. The FCC will be acting against the consumers it is charged with protecting if it continues with any further such back room, below the radar shenanigans. The commissioners need to quickly and forcefully reject this legal bailout written by the wireless industry, for the wireless industry.

The good folks at the the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights are out with a report that should be required reading for any government official involved -- or who should be involved -- in the looming transition to digital television next February. Titled "Transition in Trouble: Action Needed to Ensure a Successful Digital Television Transition," the report lays out the problems and challenges of the upcoming transition and what can still be done to make it go smoother.

Two issues that could have major repercussions for consumers are now floating around the executive offices of the Federal Communications Commission headquarters. One is the proposed merger of the country's only two satellite radio companies, XM and Sirius, to form a nationwide monopoly. The other is a dubious deal being offered by wireless companies on those maddening early termination fees they charge.