Stations Pin Viewability Hope on FCC Commissioner Clyburn

Broadcasters are hoping that Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn will set an independent course and save the FCC's viewability rule that requires hybrid, analog-digital cable systems to transmit TV broadcast signals on the analog tier so that subscribers with old analog sets can continue to receive them without having to buy a set-top box.

To do so, Commissioner Clyburn will have to go against FCC Chairman and fellow Democrat Julius Genachowski, who has circulated a proposal phasing out the rule in six months. If she does, broadcasters and their Washington representatives believe that the two Republican commissioners — Robert McDowell and Ajit Pai — may go along with her, supplying the other two votes needed for an extension. With the rule set to expire June 12, a vote could come on June 11.