Lineman Forum: CATV - Cable Firms Ask FCC to Prevent Channel Blockages in Fee Dispute - Lineman Forum

Cable Firms Ask FCC to Prevent Channel Blockages in Fee Disputes (Washn)


WASHINGTON-Several major cable companies and a public interest group asked the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday to prevent broadcasters from withholding signals from subscribers during disputes over transmission fees.

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Knowledge said that regulations governing transmissions from broadcasters to subscription-television providers are outdated and warned that last weekend's standoff between Cablevision and Walt Disney Co. will be repeated unless the FCC issues new rules.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 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.


http://www.gulflive....rylist=business