Networks Back Cable's Basic-Tier Encryption Push

Companies representing the four biggest broadcast networks -- CBS, NBCUniversal, News Corp. and The Walt Disney Co. -- urged the Federal Communications Commission to enact a rule change allowing cable operators to encrypt basic-tier programming in all-digital systems.

"Encryption will provide significant public interest benefits by ensuring the secure delivery of high-value broadcast content on the basic service tier and facilitating further innovation in cable systems," the media companies wrote in a March 8 letter. CBS, Disney, News Corp. and NBCU pointed out that pay TV is already ubiquitously encrypted by satellite, telco, IPTV and online video providers. "As content companies, we support allowing cable operators to have the same ability to fully encrypt their digital programming, including the basic service tier," they said. Critics of the rule change contend that putting MSOs on parity with other providers by allowing basic-tier encryption would force consumers to rent set-tops and limit choice, because they would no longer be able to receive "clear QAM" digital TV.