This week on CounterSpin: presidential inaugurations offer the press corps a chance to chatter on about lavish dinners and expensive parties. This year was no different. But considerable attention was paid to George W. Bush's speech, where he vowed to spread freedom and liberty to all corners of the world. Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies joins us to examine the speech, and the media reaction to it.

Also this week: Michael Powell's announced departure as FCC chair might be cause for celebration for activists who opposed his pro-industry policies and disdain for media democracy and diversity. Except for the fact that George Bush will be appointing a new FCC chair in March. We'll talk to Bob McChesney, communications professor and co-founder of the media reform group Free Press, about Michael Powell and the future of the FCC.

LINKS:

Institute for Policy Studies:
www.ips-dc.org

Free Press:
www.freepress.net