FCC Planning to Open Cable Market

FCC PLANNING TO OPEN CABLE MARKET
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Stephen Labaton]
The Federal Communications Commission is apparently preparing to impose significant new regulations to open the cable television market to independent programmers and rival video services after determining that cable companies have become too dominant in the industry. The finding, under a law that gives the commission expanded powers over the cable television industry if it becomes too big, is expected to be announced this month. It is a major departure for the agency and the industry, which was deregulated by an act of Congress in 1996. Officials say the finding could lead to more diverse programs; consumer groups say it could also lead to lower rates. Consumer groups applauded the cable television decision, although some speculated that it could give FCC Chairman Kevin Martin some political cover as he sets about taking other aspects of media control in a deregulatory direction. “The 70/70 finding is enormous,” said Andrew Jay Schwartzman, president of the Media Access Project, an advocacy organization devoted to diversity of voices and ownership that has opposed consolidation in the media. “It gives the commission a blank check to regulate an industry that Congress had largely deregulated.” “The finding will give the commission an arsenal of tools to limit discriminatory practices -- notably exclusive dealing, tying arrangements and other relationships -- if they harm the diversity of programming,” said Gene Kimmelman, vice president for federal affairs at Consumers Union.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/10/washington/10cable.html?ref=todayspape...
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* FCC rules could stunt Comcast's growth
Comcast Corp. and other cable companies may be forced to limit their growth and make their networks more accessible to independent programmers and other competitors.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/11180897.html

* Cable’s 70/70 Rule & the Public Interest: Programming diversity is what should matter
[Commentary] "focus of any FCC rules changes should be on how to ensure real programmatic diversity, including shows and channels owned and managed by women and people of color. If all we get is an a la carte system where one can merely pick and choose from the narrow content choices now offered us, then we will not be making real progress."
http://www.democraticmedia.org/jcblog/?p=401

* FCC Moves to Place Restrictions on Cable TV
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/11/AR200711...

* Report May Spur Oversight of Cable TV
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CABLE_REGULATION?SITE=RIWAR&S...