WASHINGTON D.C. - The convergence of communications technology has had a radical effect on how people access the media, spurring questions on what regulations if any should be applied to these new media outlets. Should cable, the Internet and mobile devices be required to comply with indecency and affirmative programming requirements? How has the news and entertainment industry changed in response to changing technology? These issues will be addressed at the 11th Annual Aspen Summit, organized by The Progress & Freedom Foundation. The conference promises to provide high caliber speakers and fascinating panel discussions in a relaxed environment for attendees from the private, public and academic sector.

Moderating the debate on media regulation will be Adam Thierer, Senior Fellow at The Progress & Freedom Foundation and director of PFF's Center for Digital Media Freedom (CDMF). Thierer's panel, "Is Media Convergence Leading to Regulatory Convergence? Old Threats and New Media," will explore the implications of extending public interest mandates to the new media technologies. Representing the entertainment industry will be John Landgraf, President & General Manager of FX Networks; David Stapf, President of Paramount Network Television; and Andrew Levin, Executive Vice President, of Clear Channel Communications. The panel will also include Robert Corn-Revere, Partner in the firm Davis Wright Tremaine, who specializes in Internet and FCC regulatory issues relating to the First Amendment.

Presenters at this year's Aspen Summit will include such tech industry heavy-weights as Tom Perkins, Co-founder and Partner at Emeritus, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Nathan Myhrvold, Co-Founder of Intellectual Ventures; Jonathan Schwartz, President of Sun Microsystems; William A. Owens, Vice Chairman & CEO of Nortel; Steve Bennett, President & Chief Executive Officer, Intuit; and Jeffrey Citron, Chairman & CEO of Vonage. In addition to the broadcast and entertainment industry panelists above, Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group, is scheduled to give Monday's keynote address. The Aspen Summit, the premier event for policymakers, business leaders and academia in the tech community, promises to promote insightful and dynamic discussion on all aspects of digital ownership affecting business and consumers alike.

The goal of CDMF is to ensure protection of the First Amendment and promote an enlightened public policy regarding all forms of communications through panels and publications. Recently, Thierer authored a book entitled Media Myths: Making Sense of the Debate Over Media Ownership, which discusses the ongoing debate over media ownership controls. Thierer will soon release a major study on the future of indecency regulations in a world of media convergence.

Details about the 2005 PFF Aspen Summit, scheduled for August 21st - August 23rd, can be found on our web site and registration can be performed online. Media, as always, are welcome to attend for free, and should contact Patrick Ross or Amy Smorodin at 202-289-8928, or pross@pff.org and asmorodin@pff.org , respectively.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.