Variety's Multichannel News reports that the telecommunications reform bill hangs in limbo after last week's election and is unlikely to be at the forefront in the next Congress. The Senate's version had been home to the broadcast and audio flag DRM mandates, so Hollywood and the recording industry may have to seek new ways to sneak through restrictions on your digital television and radio devices next year.

But this year's fight isn't over yet -- there might be one last push for these proposals in the lame duck session, as Public Knowledge's Gigi Sohn points out. If the entertainment industry tries attaching the proposals to appropriations bills, it won't be the first time.

Regardless, we can expect these dangerous DRM mandates to rear their ugly heads in some form next year. Take action now to tell the lame duck Congress to oppose these bills, and stay tuned for more updates.

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