Cable, satellite firms seek FCC rules for broadcast negotiations
In the paper today:
By Cecilia Kang
Several major cable companies and a public interest group asked the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday to intervene in disputes over transmission fees to prevent broadcasters from withholding signals from subscribers.
In a petition filed with the FCC, Time Warner Cable, Verizon Communications, Cablevision and advocacy group Public Knowledge said that regulations governing transmissions from broadcasters to subscription-television providers are outdated and warned that last weekend's standoff between Cablevision and Walt Disney Co. will be repeated unless the FCC issues new rules. They also called on regulators to assign an arbitrator during stalled negotiations and to require broadcasters to maintain their signals if talks break down.
The FCC declined to comment on the petition. Other signers included Dish Network, Charter Communications, DirectTV and Bright House Networks.
By
Cecilia Kang
|
March 10, 2010; 7:36 AM ET
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Posted by: 54Stratocaster | March 10, 2010 5:46 PM | Report abuse
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Given the escalating fees charged by cable operators despite their declining operating costs (as Ms. Kang has posted elsewhere), it's not surprising that broadcasters want to get their share of the gravy train.