Biographical Information

J.J. Smith

J.J. Smith is a writer and journalist located in the Washington, D.C. area. He has reported for daily newspapers, newsletters, wire services—including United Press International—and most recently was the editor of Government Video magazine. In his spare time he writes horror fiction.

Articles for J.J. Smith

FCC Proposes Changing MVPD Definition

Says online video's growth requires updating its interpretation of "video distributor" to include any company that delivers multiple programming channels online

Proposals Seek to End TV and Online Blackouts that Result from Retransmission Disputes

The "Video CHOICE Act" is one of several bills that seek to update existing laws to prevent a repeat of the Time Warner Cable-CBS blackout

Streaming and OTT Spark Efforts to Update Communications Act

House Republicans calling for changes say the goal will be to balance the needs of consumers with the rights of stations that transmit programming over the air

Webcasting Without Worry

Webcasting has gotten easier, but that doesn't mean it's stress-free. Here are some tips and tricks to take some of the worry out of your webcasting efforts.

Rockefeller Bill Aims to Stop Online Video Favoritism by ISPs

A recently introduced bill aims to stop ISPs from blocking or slowing video transmissions from competing companies.

New FCC Head Says the Commission Needs to Address the "Dynamism" Driving Online Video

Recently appointed FCC chair Tom Wheeler says online video and polices that address it are on the agency's radar, though he declined to offer specifics

FCC Issues Video Programming Rule Requiring Navigation Devices be Accessible to Blind, Deaf

New rule covers devices used for over-the-top streaming to televisions, including game consoles and set-top boxes, as well as tablets and other mobile devices

Senate Approves Wheeler, O'Rielly to FCC Posts

Sen. Ted Cruz lifted his hold on the Wheeler nomination after receiving assurance that a proposal to modify disclosure around political ads would not be a priority for the commission

Sen. Cruz Puts Hold on Vote to Confirm Wheeler as Head of FCC

Saying he needs answers regarding political funding disclosures, the Tea Party senator delays a vote.

Searching for Successful Video SEO Strategies: What Really Works

Make the viewers come to you. Here's how to get the most out of your content with effective video search engine optimization techniques.

Retransmission Dispute Dominates House Video Marketplace Hearing

While the agenda was updating video marketplace laws for the mobile age, stopping pay TV blackouts stole the stage.

FCC Extends Comments Deadline on Closed-Captioning Rule

New deadline gives content producers, distribution outlets, and hardware manufacturers time to collaborate on interoperable solutions to provide closed captioning to online viewers

Video Technology Providers Back FCC E-Rate Update

As more students stream distance learning video, FCC proposes updating program that funds internet access for schools and libraries, and finds backing among video tech vendors