Released: November 28, 2007

FCC retreats on cable regulation plan

Source: Paul Davidson, USA Today

n a blow to the head of the Federal Communications Commission, the agency late Tuesday withdrew a controversial proposal that could have led to sweeping regulation of the cable industry because of opposition from a majority of commissioners.

The dispute forced a 12-hour postponement of Tuesday’s meeting until evening. When the five commissioners met, several accused FCC Chairman Kevin Martin of concealing vital data in an effort to pave the way for tougher oversight of the cable companies.

Martin had wanted the commission to approve a video competition report showing that cable companies have grown too dominant. Under a 1984 federal law, if cable service is available to 70% of U.S. households and if 70% of them subscribe, the FCC may impose rules to promote diverse programming.

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