Developing Policies for the New Media Landscape - Agenda

Monday, August 14, 2017

8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.           Session I.  New Media Landscape 2018-2023
In this first session, Larry Downes, Project Director, The Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy will give a lead-off presentation on the new media landscape. Participants will discuss emerging trends, including technological convergence, new business models, changing patterns of consumer demand (e.g. millennials, generation X, and other niche-based audiences), and individualized, local and national distribution of media.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.         Session II.  Principles to Guide Policy
Participants will consider what principles have guided communications policies of the past. Do these policies address the needs of consumers and media providers today and in the future? How can they address new challenges and opportunities for media technologies? How does Chairman Pai’s statement of principles – digital empowerment, the need for ubiquitous Internet access, the power of competitive free markets, and light-touch regulation – address those needs?

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.             Session III. Working Groups
Each Working Group will consider principles and structures and develop policies to promote a vibrant media ecosystem in the coming years.

Working Group A: Digital Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

• Includes the creation of Internet-based jobs, access to digital opportunities and capital for ownership.

Working Group B: Ubiquitous Internet Access and New Media Platforms

• Includes infrastructure, technological innovation and convergence.

Working Group C: Competitive Free Markets, Disrupters and Economies of Scale and Scope

• Includes private-sector ingenuity, barriers to entry and long-term investment.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.           Session IV. Presentation and Discussion of Initial Working Group Reports
In this plenary session, working group leaders will report their proposed policies to the larger group.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.         Session V. Working Groups Continued

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.           Session VI.  Refinement of Working Group Reports and Recommendations
In this final session participants will work in groups to refine suggestions into a set of simple, achievable actions.  Participants will critique, improve upon, and, if appropriate, unify Working Group reports.  The outcomes will provide the foundation for the final written report of the Conference.