This month marks the 50th anniversary of Ronald Coase’s seminal article, The Federal Communications Commission. Coase’s critique of the political allocation of radio spectrum, and his arguments for achieving efficient allocation by allowing the government to sell rights to the spectrum, has had a profound effect on the course of communications policy.
While Coase’s ideas have been vindicated, and a market in radio property has developed, what impact have they had on the FCC? What is Coase’s legacy, and how salient are his ideas for the future of spectrum allocation? A distinguished set of speakers will address these questions at the event, “Ronald Coase’s The Federal Communications Commission at 50,” co-hosted by The Mercatus Center at George Mason University and The Progress & Freedom Foundation.
Opening remarks will be given by Commissioner Robert M. McDowell of the Federal Communications Commission. The remarks will be followed by a panel discussion on the themes presenting in the landmark book. Participants will include:
- Prof. Thomas W. Hazlett, George Mason University School of Law
- Dr. Jeffrey A. Eisenach, Empiris LLC & George Mason University School of Law
- Dr. Evan Kwerel, Federal Communications Commission
- John Williams, Federal Communications Commission (invited)
“Ronald Coase’s The Federal Communications Commission at 50,” will be held Thursday, October 29th from 9:00am to 12:00pm in Hazel Hall, Room 121 (ground floor) at the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington. Please RSVP after the jump.
The Technology Liberation Front is the tech policy blog dedicated to keeping politicians' hands off the 'net and everything else related to technology.