John Mitchell Eger

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John Mitchell Eger Education University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (Juris Doctor, Law) Virginia Military Institute (BA) Known For Advisor to the President, Acting Director White House Office of Telecommunications Policy[1] Senior Vice President , CBS Inc.[1]Opened China to Commercial Television (1984) Lionel Van Deerlin Chair of Communications and Public Policy at SDSU (1990) SDSU’s Inaugural Professor of creativity and Innovation (2010) Author of Untold Power: The Marriage of Art and Technology (2023) Author of The Creative Community; Meeting the Challenges of the New Economy (1987) California Department of Transportation appointment to Chair of Committee to develop a guide book for California cities called "Smart Communities.” Received the highest Award from The Japanese Minister of Communication for Diplomacy Founded the Pacific Telecommunications Council while Acting Director of White House Office of Telecommunications Policy Parents Elizabeth Kleinmann and Elvin (Al) William Eger


John M. Eger, also known as John Mitchell Eger, was born on January 16, 1940, in Chicago, to Elizabeth Kleinmann and Elvin (Al) William Eger. His early education laid the foundation for his multifaceted career, marked by a profound passion for art, technology, law, and global development. He married Judith Prescott in 1962, and their marriage spanned until their divorce in 1981. Following this, in 1982, he married Mary Ann Jones, with whom he shares a life enriched by four children and five grandchildren.

Early Career and Education

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During his formative years, Eger was awarded a scholarship by the Chicago Board of Education and Byrne Elementary to attend the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. This pivotal experience ignited his lifelong dedication to art, leading him to further studies at institutions like the Smithsonian and the UCSD College of Extended Studies. Throughout his academic journey, Eger consistently explored the connections between art and the creative process and various other disciplines, including communications, technology, policy making, and the local and global business economy.

edit

Eger's professional journey commenced with a role as a Management Trainee at Illinois Bell in 1963 after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Virginia Military Institute. He then earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Illinois, formerly known as the John Marshall School of Law. Subsequently, he transitioned to legal practice, serving as an attorney at Menk, Johnson, and Bishop in Chicago from 1970 to 1971. [ citation needed ] His legal expertise led him to significant roles in government, including serving as an Attorney Advisor to FCC General Counsel Richard E. Wiley, who later became the FCC Chair. Continuing his government service, Eger worked as a Legal Assistant to FCC Chair Dean Burch, renowned for his prior role as Campaign Manager for Senator Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign and subsequent advisory positions in President Nixon's administration. In addition to serving as Burch’s legal assistant, he was also in charge of Congressional Relations. Eger's influence extended to advising President Gerald Ford, where he was first confirmed as Deputy Director of the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy before assuming the role of Acting Director until 1976. [ citation needed ] Government and Policy Contributions During his tenure at the White House, Eger played a pivotal role in addressing national security concerns related to emerging technologies. He discovered Russia's use of microwave technology to intercept calls from the White House and Congress, providing intelligence on political and economic matters. Collaborating with William Colby Director of the CIA, Eger worked tirelessly to curtail these unauthorized surveillance activities, to ensure the protection of sensitive government communications. As a result, he served on Vice President Nelson Rockefeller's Committee on Privacy, which outlined major policy concerns affecting both the public and private sectors of the economy. Additionally, he emerged as one of the leading experts in breaking up AT&T’s monopoly, which significantly impacted the new high technology industry. The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit that succeeded in protecting the fledgling industry and consumers. [ citation needed ] Corporate Leadership In 1978, Eger transitioned to the private sector, joining the law firm Lamb Eastman and Keats in Washington, D.C., where he practiced until 1981. He then joined CBS Inc. as Vice President of Strategic Planning and International Development,[1] a role that included worldwide media development, including cable TV, syndication of programming, and teletext, the precursor of social media. His tenure at CBS as Senior Vice President was marked by groundbreaking achievements, notably spearheading the opening of the People's Republic of China to commercial broadcasting. Before this, the People's Republic of China had very little television programming but a voracious appetite for the medium. With the advent of advertising-supported programming, the television medium in China exploded. Every film and TV enterprise wanted a piece of China’s growing consumer market. Even with little money Chinese citizens managed to get TV sets often from neighboring Taiwan. During this time, Eger was elected Chair of the International Advertising Global Media Commission. After his tenure at CBS, Eger joined the esteemed San Francisco Law firm Morrison and Foerster as counsel, where he continued to contribute his legal expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of technology, art, and global affairs. [ citation needed ] At the same time, he formed the Worldwide Media Group (WMG), a consultancy focused on helping other nations create advertising-supported television similar to the PRC. WMG also founded the Business Week Annual Conference in Partnership with the Foreign Policy Association, featuring high-level national political leaders and CEOs of the world to discuss technology, education and economic developments. In cooperation with Government Technology Magazine, WMG held annual conferences on “Cities of the Future,” highlighting the progress cities were making to deploy new communications technology to their wealth and well-being. [ citation needed ] Government and Policy Contributions Eger's expertise also extended to cybersecurity and privacy issues, as he successfully thwarted hacking attempts by the FBI and other federal agencies on state transmissions related to arrests. His efforts to safeguard privacy rights and prevent unauthorized surveillance garnered recognition, leading to an invitation from Vice President Nelson Rockefeller to contribute to the development of new laws governing federal government practices in this domain. Working alongside influential figures like Brian Lamb, founder of CSPAN, Eger contributed significantly to shaping privacy policies and enhancing national security measures. [ citation needed ] Academic Leadership and Research In 1990, John M. Eger assumed the prestigious role of the Lionel Van Deerlin Chair of the Communication and Public Policy at San Diego State University (SDSU).[1] In announcing his selection, Dean Joyce Gattas remarked how pleased she was that “Eger is a distinguished figure in the communications industry known for his knowledge of information law and regulatory policy and his advocacy of American leadership in international communications.”[ citation needed ] During his tenure, he secured a million-dollar grant from the California Office of Transportation to spearhead research on transportation, technology, and economic challenges facing urban areas. [ citation needed ] This research initiative resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking guidebook titled "Smart Communities,"[1] tailored to assist California cities in navigating complex urban development issues. Eger's commitment to innovative education and research is evident in his establishment of three new courses at SDSU: Digital Technology: Regulation and Policy including Artificial Intelligence, Global Telecommunications, and Cities of the Future. These courses not only enriched the academic curriculum but also addressed critical issues at the intersection of technology, policy, and urban development focusing on communications technology. [ citation needed ]

Additionally, Eger founded the Center for International Communication and initiated “The Creativity Economy Initiative,” fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting creative solutions to contemporary challenges. His visionary leadership and contributions to academia have significantly impacted the fields of communication, public policy, and urban development, leaving a lasting legacy at SDSU from 1990 to 2022. [ citation needed ] In 1997, he was appointed Chair of San Diego Mayor Susan Golding’s Committee to create a City of the Future; California Governor Pete Wilson’s first Chair of Information Technology and his Committee on Art in the Schools.[1]

Media and Writing Contributions

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Throughout his illustrious career, John M. Eger's insights and expertise have been widely recognized and featured in prominent media outlets. His contributions to publications such as The New York Times (NYT), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), The Washington Journalism Review, Broadcasting Magazine, Variety, The Columbia Journal of World Business, The Journal of Communication, San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Business Journal, Advertising Age, Television/Radio Age, and the San Diego Daily Transcript have made a significant impact on discussions surrounding creativity, technology, policy, and global affairs. For five years, Eger contributed compelling articles to The Huffington Post, delving into topics ranging from creativity and technology to political analysis. His prolific writing career includes authoring over 100 articles, books, and booklets that have enriched scholarly discourse and public understanding. Noteworthy publications by Eger include "Emerging Restrictions on Non-Tariff Trade Barriers" in The Georgetown Journal of Law and Diplomacy, shedding light on evolving trade dynamics; "The Global Phenomena of TeleInformatics" in the Cornell Law Journal, exploring the intersection of global communication networks; "Contemporary Art in Education," aimed at educators and administrators in The School Administrator publication and "The Creative Community: Linking Art, Culture, Commerce and Community"[1], a call to action to reinvent our communities for the Creative Age. Eger's contributions to The New York Times include thought-provoking pieces such as "The Future of Communication" and "Dams in the Data Stream," addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in communication technologies. Has booklet on The Creative Community: Meeting the Challenges of the New Economy was translated into several languages and widely read. Eger's extensive career and deep insights into the nexus between art, technology, and society culminated in several notable publications, including his most recent book titled "Untold Power: The Marriage of Art and Technology." This work reflects his ongoing commitment to exploring and harnessing the transformative potential of creative collaboration across diverse domains. In recent articles, he expressed his concern about creativity and technology with articles including “Artificial Intelligence is Faster and Cheaper than human labor. But it Lags in Creativity,” “Broadband Technology Can Help San Diego and Other U.S. Cities Reinvent Themselves,” and “Today’s Problems with Fake News and Misinformation Show Need for Responsible Press.” [ citation needed ] Accolades and Professional Affiliations [ citation needed ] John M. Eger's remarkable achievements have garnered international recognition, including receiving the highest award from the Japanese Minister of Communication for his diplomatic contributions. His founding of the Pacific Telecommunications Council during his tenure as Acting Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) was instrumental in fostering international dialogue and cooperation in the telecommunications sector. Eger's commitment to education and technology is evident through his service on the boards of prestigious organizations such as the London-based International Institute of Communications. The Educational Communications (EduCom), which focuses on the intersection of education and technology. He also played a pivotal role as the founding director of E3-Civic High, a unique educational institution housed within a library. Additionally, Eger's leadership roles include serving as an Advisor to The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and as a board member of the Pacific Council. His appointment as the first Chair on Information Technology under California Governor Wilson's administration underscores his expertise in shaping policies related to technology and education. Throughout his career, Eger has remained dedicated to enhancing arts education in California schools, contributing to the development of innovative curricula and initiatives.

References

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1. Creativity and Innovation Author, Lecturer John M. Eger / Creativity-Portal.com This page was last edited on 03 May 2024, at 18:12 (UTC). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. • Privacy policy • About Wikipedia • Disclaimers • Contact Wikipedia • Code of Conduct • Developers • Statistics • Cookie statement • Mobile view

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Search • Create account • Log in • Contents [hide] (Top) • Early Career and Education • Legal and Government Roles • Government and Policy Contributions • Corporate Leadership • Government and Policy Contributions • Academic Leadership and Research • Media and Writing Contributions • Accolades and Professional Affiliations • References John Mitchell Eger

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• Article • Analysis • Read • Edit • View history • Tools From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John Mitchell Eger Education University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (Juris Doctor, Law) Virginia Military Institute (BA) Known For Advisor to the President, Acting Director White House Office of Telecommunications Policy[1] Senior Vice President , CBS Inc.[1]Opened China to Commercial Television (1984) Lionel Van Deerlin Chair of Communications and Public Policy at SDSU (1990) SDSU’s Inaugural Professor of creativity and Innovation (2010) Author of Untold Power: The Marriage of Art and Technology (2023) Author of The Creative Community; Meeting the Challenges of the New Economy (1987) California Department of Transportation appointment to Chair of Committee to develop a guide book for California cities called "Smart Communities.” Received the highest Award from The Japanese Minister of Communication for Diplomacy Founded the Pacific Telecommunications Council while Acting Director of White House Office of Telecommunications Policy Parents Elizabeth Kleinmann and Elvin (Al) William Eger John M. Eger, also known as John Mitchell Eger, was born on January 16, 1940, in Chicago, to Elizabeth Kleinmann and Elvin (Al) William Eger. His early education laid the foundation for his multifaceted career, marked by a profound passion for art, technology, law, and global development. He married Judith Prescott in 1962, and their marriage spanned until their divorce in 1981. Following this, in 1982, he married Mary Ann Jones, with whom he shares a life enriched by four children and five grandchildren. Early Career and Education [ citation needed ] During his formative years, Eger was awarded a scholarship by the Chicago Board of Education and Byrne Elementary to attend the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. This pivotal experience ignited his lifelong dedication to art, leading him to further studies at institutions like the Smithsonian and the UCSD College of Extended Studies. Throughout his academic journey, Eger consistently explored the connections between art and the creative process and various other disciplines, including communications, technology, policy making, and the local and global business economy. Legal and Government Roles Eger's professional journey commenced with a role as a Management Trainee at Illinois Bell in 1963 after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Virginia Military Institute. He then earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Illinois, formerly known as the John Marshall School of Law. Subsequently, he transitioned to legal practice, serving as an attorney at Menk, Johnson, and Bishop in Chicago from 1970 to 1971. [ citation needed ] His legal expertise led him to significant roles in government, including serving as an Attorney Advisor to FCC General Counsel Richard E. Wiley, who later became the FCC Chair. Continuing his government service, Eger worked as a Legal Assistant to FCC Chair Dean Burch, renowned for his prior role as Campaign Manager for Senator Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign and subsequent advisory positions in President Nixon's administration. In addition to serving as Burch’s legal assistant, he was also in charge of Congressional Relations. Eger's influence extended to advising President Gerald Ford, where he was first confirmed as Deputy Director of the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy before assuming the role of Acting Director until 1976. [ citation needed ] Government and Policy Contributions During his tenure at the White House, Eger played a pivotal role in addressing national security concerns related to emerging technologies. He discovered Russia's use of microwave technology to intercept calls from the White House and Congress, providing intelligence on political and economic matters. Collaborating with William Colby Director of the CIA, Eger worked tirelessly to curtail these unauthorized surveillance activities, to ensure the protection of sensitive government communications. As a result, he served on Vice President Nelson Rockefeller's Committee on Privacy, which outlined major policy concerns affecting both the public and private sectors of the economy. Additionally, he emerged as one of the leading experts in breaking up AT&T’s monopoly, which significantly impacted the new high technology industry. The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit that succeeded in protecting the fledgling industry and consumers. [ citation needed ] Corporate Leadership In 1978, Eger transitioned to the private sector, joining the law firm Lamb Eastman and Keats in Washington, D.C., where he practiced until 1981. He then joined CBS Inc. as Vice President of Strategic Planning and International Development,[1] a role that included worldwide media development, including cable TV, syndication of programming, and teletext, the precursor of social media. His tenure at CBS as Senior Vice President was marked by groundbreaking achievements, notably spearheading the opening of the People's Republic of China to commercial broadcasting. Before this, the People's Republic of China had very little television programming but a voracious appetite for the medium. With the advent of advertising-supported programming, the television medium in China exploded. Every film and TV enterprise wanted a piece of China’s growing consumer market. Even with little money Chinese citizens managed to get TV sets often from neighboring Taiwan. During this time, Eger was elected Chair of the International Advertising Global Media Commission. After his tenure at CBS, Eger joined the esteemed San Francisco Law firm Morrison and Foerster as counsel, where he continued to contribute his legal expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of technology, art, and global affairs. [ citation needed ] At the same time, he formed the Worldwide Media Group (WMG), a consultancy focused on helping other nations create advertising-supported television similar to the PRC. WMG also founded the Business Week Annual Conference in Partnership with the Foreign Policy Association, featuring high-level national political leaders and CEOs of the world to discuss technology, education and economic developments. In cooperation with Government Technology Magazine, WMG held annual conferences on “Cities of the Future,” highlighting the progress cities were making to deploy new communications technology to their wealth and well-being. [ citation needed ] Government and Policy Contributions Eger's expertise also extended to cybersecurity and privacy issues, as he successfully thwarted hacking attempts by the FBI and other federal agencies on state transmissions related to arrests. His efforts to safeguard privacy rights and prevent unauthorized surveillance garnered recognition, leading to an invitation from Vice President Nelson Rockefeller to contribute to the development of new laws governing federal government practices in this domain. Working alongside influential figures like Brian Lamb, founder of CSPAN, Eger contributed significantly to shaping privacy policies and enhancing national security measures. [ citation needed ] Academic Leadership and Research In 1990, John M. Eger assumed the prestigious role of the Lionel Van Deerlin Chair of the Communication and Public Policy at San Diego State University (SDSU).[1] In announcing his selection, Dean Joyce Gattas remarked how pleased she was that “Eger is a distinguished figure in the communications industry known for his knowledge of information law and regulatory policy and his advocacy of American leadership in international communications.”[ citation needed ] During his tenure, he secured a million-dollar grant from the California Office of Transportation to spearhead research on transportation, technology, and economic challenges facing urban areas. [ citation needed ] This research initiative resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking guidebook titled "Smart Communities,"[1] tailored to assist California cities in navigating complex urban development issues. Eger's commitment to innovative education and research is evident in his establishment of three new courses at SDSU: Digital Technology: Regulation and Policy including Artificial Intelligence, Global Telecommunications, and Cities of the Future. These courses not only enriched the academic curriculum but also addressed critical issues at the intersection of technology, policy, and urban development focusing on communications technology. [ citation needed ] Additionally, Eger founded the Center for International Communication and initiated the “The Creativity Economy Initiative,” fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting creative solutions to contemporary challenges. His visionary leadership and contributions to academia have significantly impacted the fields of communication, public policy, and urban development, leaving a lasting legacy at SDSU from 1990 to 2022. [ citation needed ] In 1997, he was appointed Chair of San Diego Mayor Susan Golding’s Committee to create a City of the Future; California Governor Pete Wilson’s first Chair of Information Technology and his Committee on Art in the Schools.[1] Media and Writing Contributions Throughout his illustrious career, John M. Eger's insights and expertise have been widely recognized and featured in prominent media outlets. His contributions to publications such as The New York Times (NYT), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), The Washington Journalism Review, Broadcasting Magazine, Variety, The Columbia Journal of World Business, The Journal of Communication, San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Business Journal, Advertising Age, Television/Radio Age, and the San Diego Daily Transcript have made a significant impact on discussions surrounding creativity, technology, policy, and global affairs. For five years, Eger contributed compelling articles to The Huffington Post, delving into topics ranging from creativity and technology to political analysis. His prolific writing career includes authoring over 100 articles, books, and booklets that have enriched scholarly discourse and public understanding. Noteworthy publications by Eger include "Emerging Restrictions on Non-Tariff Trade Barriers" in The Georgetown Journal of Law and Diplomacy, shedding light on evolving trade dynamics; "The Global Phenomena of TeleInformatics" in the Cornell Law Journal, exploring the intersection of global communication networks; "Contemporary Art in Education," aimed at educators and administrators in The School Administrator publication and "The Creative Community: Linking Art, Culture, Commerce and Community"[1], a call to action to reinvent our communities for the Creative Age. Eger's contributions to The New York Times include thought-provoking pieces such as "The Future of Communication" and "Dams in the Data Stream," addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in communication technologies. Has booklet on The Creative Community: Meeting the Challenges of the New Economy was translated into several languages and widely read. Eger's extensive career and deep insights into the nexus between art, technology, and society culminated in several notable publications, including his most recent book titled "Untold Power: The Marriage of Art and Technology." This work reflects his ongoing commitment to exploring and harnessing the transformative potential of creative collaboration across diverse domains. In recent articles, he expressed his concern about creativity and technology with articles including “Artificial Intelligence is Faster and Cheaper than human labor. But it Lags in Creativity,” “Broadband Technology Can Help San Diego and Other U.S. Cities Reinvent Themselves,” and “Today’s Problems with Fake News and Misinformation Show Need for Responsible Press.” [ citation needed ] Accolades and Professional Affiliations [ citation needed ] John M. Eger's remarkable achievements have garnered international recognition, including receiving the highest award from the Japanese Minister of Communication for his diplomatic contributions. His founding of the Pacific Telecommunications Council during his tenure as Acting Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) was instrumental in fostering international dialogue and cooperation in the telecommunications sector. Eger's commitment to education and technology is evident through his service on the boards of prestigious organizations such as the London-based International Institute of Communications. The Educational Communications (EduCom), which focuses on the intersection of education and technology. He also played a pivotal role as the founding director of E3-Civic High, a unique educational institution housed within a library. Additionally, Eger's leadership roles include serving as an Advisor to The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and as a board member of the Pacific Council. His appointment as the first Chair on Information Technology under California Governor Wilson's administration underscores his expertise in shaping policies related to technology and education. Throughout his career, Eger has remained dedicated to enhancing arts education in California schools, contributing to the development of innovative curricula and initiatives. References 1. Creativity and Innovation Author, Lecturer John M. Eger / Creativity-Portal.com This page was last edited on 03 May 2024, at 18:12 (UTC). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. • Privacy policy • About Wikipedia • Disclaimers • Contact Wikipedia • Code of Conduct • Developers • Statistics • Cookie statement • Mobile view

Other references to be added

Search • Create account • Log in • Contents [hide] (Top) • Early Career and Education • Legal and Government Roles • Government and Policy Contributions • Corporate Leadership • Government and Policy Contributions • Academic Leadership and Research • Media and Writing Contributions • Accolades and Professional Affiliations • References John Mitchell Eger

Add Languages

• Article • Analysis • Read • Edit • View history • Tools From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John Mitchell Eger Education University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (Juris Doctor, Law) Virginia Military Institute (BA) Known For Advisor to the President, Acting Director White House Office of Telecommunications Policy[1] Senior Vice President , CBS Inc.[1]Opened China to Commercial Television (1984) Lionel Van Deerlin Chair of Communications and Public Policy at SDSU (1990) SDSU’s Inaugural Professor of creativity and Innovation (2010) Author of Untold Power: The Marriage of Art and Technology (2023) Author of The Creative Community; Meeting the Challenges of the New Economy (1987) California Department of Transportation appointment to Chair of Committee to develop a guide book for California cities called "Smart Communities.” Received the highest Award from The Japanese Minister of Communication for Diplomacy Founded the Pacific Telecommunications Council while Acting Director of White House Office of Telecommunications Policy Parents Elizabeth Kleinmann and Elvin (Al) William Eger John M. Eger, also known as John Mitchell Eger, was born on January 16, 1940, in Chicago, to Elizabeth Kleinmann and Elvin (Al) William Eger. His early education laid the foundation for his multifaceted career, marked by a profound passion for art, technology, law, and global development. He married Judith Prescott in 1962, and their marriage spanned until their divorce in 1981. Following this, in 1982, he married Mary Ann Jones, with whom he shares a life enriched by four children and five grandchildren. Early Career and Education [ citation needed ] During his formative years, Eger was awarded a scholarship by the Chicago Board of Education and Byrne Elementary to attend the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. This pivotal experience ignited his lifelong dedication to art, leading him to further studies at institutions like the Smithsonian and the UCSD College of Extended Studies. Throughout his academic journey, Eger consistently explored the connections between art and the creative process and various other disciplines, including communications, technology, policy making, and the local and global business economy. Legal and Government Roles Eger's professional journey commenced with a role as a Management Trainee at Illinois Bell in 1963 after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Virginia Military Institute. He then earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Illinois, formerly known as the John Marshall School of Law. Subsequently, he transitioned to legal practice, serving as an attorney at Menk, Johnson, and Bishop in Chicago from 1970 to 1971. [ citation needed ] His legal expertise led him to significant roles in government, including serving as an Attorney Advisor to FCC General Counsel Richard E. Wiley, who later became the FCC Chair. Continuing his government service, Eger worked as a Legal Assistant to FCC Chair Dean Burch, renowned for his prior role as Campaign Manager for Senator Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign and subsequent advisory positions in President Nixon's administration. In addition to serving as Burch’s legal assistant, he was also in charge of Congressional Relations. Eger's influence extended to advising President Gerald Ford, where he was first confirmed as Deputy Director of the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy before assuming the role of Acting Director until 1976. [ citation needed ] Government and Policy Contributions During his tenure at the White House, Eger played a pivotal role in addressing national security concerns related to emerging technologies. He discovered Russia's use of microwave technology to intercept calls from the White House and Congress, providing intelligence on political and economic matters. Collaborating with William Colby Director of the CIA, Eger worked tirelessly to curtail these unauthorized surveillance activities, to ensure the protection of sensitive government communications. As a result, he served on Vice President Nelson Rockefeller's Committee on Privacy, which outlined major policy concerns affecting both the public and private sectors of the economy. Additionally, he emerged as one of the leading experts in breaking up AT&T’s monopoly, which significantly impacted the new high technology industry. The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit that succeeded in protecting the fledgling industry and consumers. [ citation needed ] Corporate Leadership In 1978, Eger transitioned to the private sector, joining the law firm Lamb Eastman and Keats in Washington, D.C., where he practiced until 1981. He then joined CBS Inc. as Vice President of Strategic Planning and International Development,[1] a role that included worldwide media development, including cable TV, syndication of programming, and teletext, the precursor of social media. His tenure at CBS as Senior Vice President was marked by groundbreaking achievements, notably spearheading the opening of the People's Republic of China to commercial broadcasting. Before this, the People's Republic of China had very little television programming but a voracious appetite for the medium. With the advent of advertising-supported programming, the television medium in China exploded. Every film and TV enterprise wanted a piece of China’s growing consumer market. Even with little money Chinese citizens managed to get TV sets often from neighboring Taiwan. During this time, Eger was elected Chair of the International Advertising Global Media Commission. After his tenure at CBS, Eger joined the esteemed San Francisco Law firm Morrison and Foerster as counsel, where he continued to contribute his legal expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of technology, art, and global affairs. [ citation needed ] At the same time, he formed the Worldwide Media Group (WMG), a consultancy focused on helping other nations create advertising-supported television similar to the PRC. WMG also founded the Business Week Annual Conference in Partnership with the Foreign Policy Association, featuring high-level national political leaders and CEOs of the world to discuss technology, education and economic developments. In cooperation with Government Technology Magazine, WMG held annual conferences on “Cities of the Future,” highlighting the progress cities were making to deploy new communications technology to their wealth and well-being. [ citation needed ] Government and Policy Contributions Eger's expertise also extended to cybersecurity and privacy issues, as he successfully thwarted hacking attempts by the FBI and other federal agencies on state transmissions related to arrests. His efforts to safeguard privacy rights and prevent unauthorized surveillance garnered recognition, leading to an invitation from Vice President Nelson Rockefeller to contribute to the development of new laws governing federal government practices in this domain. Working alongside influential figures like Brian Lamb, founder of CSPAN, Eger contributed significantly to shaping privacy policies and enhancing national security measures. [ citation needed ] Academic Leadership and Research In 1990, John M. Eger assumed the prestigious role of the Lionel Van Deerlin Chair of the Communication and Public Policy at San Diego State University (SDSU).[1] In announcing his selection, Dean Joyce Gattas remarked how pleased she was that “Eger is a distinguished figure in the communications industry known for his knowledge of information law and regulatory policy and his advocacy of American leadership in international communications.”[ citation needed ] During his tenure, he secured a million-dollar grant from the California Office of Transportation to spearhead research on transportation, technology, and economic challenges facing urban areas. [ citation needed ] This research initiative resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking guidebook titled "Smart Communities,"[1] tailored to assist California cities in navigating complex urban development issues. Eger's commitment to innovative education and research is evident in his establishment of three new courses at SDSU: Digital Technology: Regulation and Policy including Artificial Intelligence, Global Telecommunications, and Cities of the Future. These courses not only enriched the academic curriculum but also addressed critical issues at the intersection of technology, policy, and urban development focusing on communications technology. [ citation needed ] Additionally, Eger founded the Center for International Communication and initiated the “The Creativity Economy Initiative,” fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting creative solutions to contemporary challenges. His visionary leadership and contributions to academia have significantly impacted the fields of communication, public policy, and urban development, leaving a lasting legacy at SDSU from 1990 to 2022. [ citation needed ] In 1997, he was appointed Chair of San Diego Mayor Susan Golding’s Committee to create a City of the Future; California Governor Pete Wilson’s first Chair of Information Technology and his Committee on Art in the Schools.[1] Media and Writing Contributions Throughout his illustrious career, John M. Eger's insights and expertise have been widely recognized and featured in prominent media outlets. His contributions to publications such as The New York Times (NYT), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), The Washington Journalism Review, Broadcasting Magazine, Variety, The Columbia Journal of World Business, The Journal of Communication, San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Business Journal, Advertising Age, Television/Radio Age, and the San Diego Daily Transcript have made a significant impact on discussions surrounding creativity, technology, policy, and global affairs. For five years, Eger contributed compelling articles to The Huffington Post, delving into topics ranging from creativity and technology to political analysis. His prolific writing career includes authoring over 100 articles, books, and booklets that have enriched scholarly discourse and public understanding. Noteworthy publications by Eger include "Emerging Restrictions on Non-Tariff Trade Barriers" in The Georgetown Journal of Law and Diplomacy, shedding light on evolving trade dynamics; "The Global Phenomena of TeleInformatics" in the Cornell Law Journal, exploring the intersection of global communication networks; "Contemporary Art in Education," aimed at educators and administrators in The School Administrator publication and "The Creative Community: Linking Art, Culture, Commerce and Community"[1], a call to action to reinvent our communities for the Creative Age. Eger's contributions to The New York Times include thought-provoking pieces such as "The Future of Communication" and "Dams in the Data Stream," addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in communication technologies. Has booklet on The Creative Community: Meeting the Challenges of the New Economy was translated into several languages and widely read. Eger's extensive career and deep insights into the nexus between art, technology, and society culminated in several notable publications, including his most recent book titled "Untold Power: The Marriage of Art and Technology." This work reflects his ongoing commitment to exploring and harnessing the transformative potential of creative collaboration across diverse domains. In recent articles, he expressed his concern about creativity and technology with articles including “Artificial Intelligence is Faster and Cheaper than human labor. But it Lags in Creativity,” “Broadband Technology Can Help San Diego and Other U.S. Cities Reinvent Themselves,” and “Today’s Problems with Fake News and Misinformation Show Need for Responsible Press.” [ citation needed ] Accolades and Professional Affiliations [ citation needed ] John M. Eger's remarkable achievements have garnered international recognition, including receiving the highest award from the Japanese Minister of Communication for his diplomatic contributions. His founding of the Pacific Telecommunications Council during his tenure as Acting Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) was instrumental in fostering international dialogue and cooperation in the telecommunications sector. Eger's commitment to education and technology is evident through his service on the boards of prestigious organizations such as the London-based International Institute of Communications. The Educational Communications (EduCom), which focuses on the intersection of education and technology. He also played a pivotal role as the founding director of E3-Civic High, a unique educational institution housed within a library. Additionally, Eger's leadership roles include serving as an Advisor to The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and as a board member of the Pacific Council. His appointment as the first Chair on Information Technology under California Governor Wilson's administration underscores his expertise in shaping policies related to technology and education. Throughout his career, Eger has remained dedicated to enhancing arts education in California schools, contributing to the development of innovative curricula and initiatives. References 1. Creativity and Innovation Author, Lecturer John M. Eger / Creativity-Portal.com This page was last edited on 03 May 2024, at 18:12 (UTC). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. • Privacy policy • About Wikipedia • Disclaimers • Contact Wikipedia • Code of Conduct • Developers • Statistics • Cookie statement • Mobile view

Other references to be added