January 28, 2000			                                                                              

PRESS STATEMENT OF COMMISIONER MICHAEL K. POWELL
REGARDING THE ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION IN WQED PITTSBURGH

I support the Order on Reconsideration adopted by the Commission today on
its own motion vacating the "additional guidance" proffered by the majority
in the WQED Pittsburgh case regarding what constitutes educational
programming.

As I predicted in my dissenting statement opposing this "additional guidance"
in the original Order, it has opened a Pandora's Box of problems.  In today's
decision we put the lid back on the box.

I continue to believe that when treading this close to content regulation,
the traditional deference the Commission has given to broadcasters in these
matters is the most appropriate regulatory course.

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full
text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC.
515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).