Wired: Broadcast Flag Kills Sharing Deal

The "broadcast flag" that TV companies have sold to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would prevent digital versions of TV content from being distributed digitally and erase fair use rights for viewers and teachers came under pressure recently, with advocacy groups pointing out that the technology wouldn't be very effective.

Rules making the sale of DVD and other recording devices respect the flag would effectively mire the broadcast media industry in its old business model. Broadband development and penetration recently opened up the possibility that video may be used in Internet-like advertising and content models, less reliant on forcing viewers to hew to a particular schedule.