Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) discuss the federal role in oversight of financial markets in wake of the decision by the Federal Reserve to lend up to $85 billion to American International Group to avert its collapse, Lehman Brothers' move to declare bankruptcy, and the Bank of America's purchase of Merrill Lynch for $50 billion. Rep. Lucas also discusses the government take over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell (R) goes over the results of the DTV transition in Wilmington, NC and what it means for the Feb. 2009 nationwide transition. Commissioner McDowell also discusses the role of the federal government in how Internet providers send content over their networks and how a new administration might impact the FCC. Guest host Ted Hearn, Multichannel News, Washington News Editor also joins the discussion.

On Monday, September 8th, Wilmington's five commercial television stations become the first to transfer to all-digital signals. The Communicators spoke to several federal, state and local officials from Wilmington, NC including: Louis Sigalos, Federal Communications Commission, DTV Transition Program Manager; Jonathan Collegio, National Association of Broadcasters, DTV Transition Vice-President; Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo (D); and Dan Ulmer, WECT/WSFX, Chief Engineer.

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a Senior Policy Adviser for John McCain for President joins us to discuss the Senator approach to issues regarding telecommunications and technology policy. He is joined by guest host Amy Schatz, Wall Street Journal, Telecommunications Reporter.

This Saturday, William Kennard, a telecommunications adviser for Sen. Obama's Presidential Campaign joins us to discuss the Senator's approach to issues dealing with technology and telecommunications. Kennard was also a former FCC Chairman (1997-2001).

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is the co-chairman of the Congressional Internet Caucus and joins us to discuss legislative issues pertaining to the internet and technology. Rep. Goodlatte also talks about his efforts on online gambling, preventing taxation of internet access and visas for workers in the computer industry. He is joined by guest host Greg Piper, Washington Internet Daily, Associate Managing Editor.

This week on the Communicators, we are joined by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin (R). He discusses the Commission's recent decision on Comcast, the status of the digital television transition, indecency, and potential Congressional inquiries into the practices of the Federal Communications Commission.

The LOC's U.S. Register of Copyrights Marybeth Peters gives us her reaction to Congressional legislation dealing with copyrights, the challenges of copyright in the digital age and artists compensation for copyrighted works.

Richard Elkus discusses his book "Winner Take All: How Competitiveness Has Changed the Face of Nations," which details his views on how globalization has affected the technology industry. Mr. Elkus argues that America has ceded its position of manufacturing, research and development of technology to other countries. He also says America needs a national strategy of how to regain its strength in the technology sector.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) gives her philosophy on telecommunications and technology issues. Rep. Lofgren and guest host Adrianne Kroepsch of the Congressional Quarterly also discuss the progress on the Democrats Innovation agenda and other tech related legislation, FISA, computer privacy and immigration and H-1B visas.