October 24, 2000

Lobbying Efforts Pick Up On Communications Issues As Congress nears adjournment, some of the most powerful corporations have enlisted lawmakers to add provisions into spending bills that could reshape the balance of power among phone companies, Internet companies, broadcasters and cable operators. The measures would relax restrictions that have made it impossible for AT&T to expand further in the cable industry. They would save the regional Bell companies billions paid to local carriers that some rivals and groups say would be shifted to Internet users. And they would kill a plan to create hundreds of new low-power FM stations for churches, schools and community groups. [Page A1.]

Article on New York Yankees pitcher Orlando Hernandez preparing for Game 3 of World Series against New York Mets; photo (M)

Paul Griffiths reviews piano recital by Murray Perahia at Avery Fisher Hall (M)

Hyundai Engineering and Construction will lay off 63 executives, close two local and four overseas offices, sell parts of its business and spin off 10 other units (S)

Israeli Coalition Talks Prime Minister Ehud Barak opened talks with Ariel Sharon, the rightist opposition leader, on forming a coalition government as Israeli-Palestinian violence continued. PAGE A18