Consumer groups argue that the FCC and Congress need to confront the cable and telephone companies' growing power over Internet connections. The groups fear that network operators could begin to play favorites with what content can move across their networks, at the expense of competitors.
Several groups want Congress or the FCC to insist on "network neutrality." Powell supported the concept but stopped short of seeking rules. The companies say that they have no such intentions and that less regulation produces more competition.
After the infamous Super Bowl incident involving singer Janet Jackson's exposed breast, the FCC and many in Congress have called for a crackdown on indecency and nudity.
Major radio and television studios have been fined, and there have been calls for more aggressive action.
The issue is among several that will be the focus of Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.), who heads the House Energy and Commerce Committee, according to spokesman Larry Neal.
Both houses of Congress crafted laws upping indecency fines from a maximum of $32,500, to up to $500,000 in one version. Although both measures stalled before last session ended, one is likely to pass this year.
Last year, the FCC issued new rules that relaxed restrictions on how many media outlets companies could own while tightening others.
But the rules were attacked by many in Congress who said they would allow more media to be dominated by fewer players, and the regulations were challenged in court.
A federal appeals court put the rules on hold, determining that the FCC used flawed methodology. The agency has yet to decide if it will appeal.
In the meantime, Congress changed one of the rules, limiting ownership of television stations by saying a big television network such as Fox or ABC cannot own a group of stations that reach more than 39 percent of the national audience.
