Martin Defends Inquiry Into 'Consumer Confusion' Around DTV Transition

On Monday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin defended the FCC's enforcement bureau inquiry into whether cable operators were using the digital television transition to "confuse some consumers that they were going to have to go to a digital package as well." Broadcast TV viewers have to switch to digital, but cable viewers of both analog and digital service must continue to receive a viewable signal per FCC rules, though cable operators volunteered to do so, pointing out it is in the cable industry's interest to keep those viewers as well. Chairman Martin said the FCC was also concerned that cable operators were charging viewers more for less when they moved some channels from analog to digital without lowering the price. "I think that is a concern that we should be aware of," pointing out the Consumers Union has complained to Congress.