Agency must apply rules fairly, in consumers' interest

AGENCY MUST APPLY RULES FAIRLY, IN CONSUMERS' INTEREST
[SOURCE: Tennessean, AUTHOR: Editorial]
[Commentary] Federal Communications Chairman Kevin Martin has the right idea about gaining more regulatory sway over the powerful cable television industry, but his methods to make that point haven't always been on target. The public needs to have faith in all facets of government, and people need to know the FCC is standing watch over operations like the cable industry. But that regulation has to be based on fair applications of the rules, and one recent attempt to gain ground on the cable companies stretched the issue thin. The public should want a tough, aggressive commission looking after their interests, especially in ensuring competition in the marketplace, which benefits consumers. But enough questions seem to exist as to how the commission is making decisions that an airing out of the issues is in order. Relying on outdated legislation as a means to a noble end seems to be a less than forthcoming application of the law.
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