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House GOP Group Slams FCC on Cable

'Too much regulation' of industry, say Kevin Martin's fellow Republicans

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 20, 2007 1:18 AM CST

(Newser) – Republican lawmakers have attacked FCC chairman Kevin Martin's plans to step up regulation of the cable industry, the Wall Street Journal reports. All but two of the 26 Republicans on the House Commerce Committee have signed a letter calling the plans "misguided and harmful." The FCC boss has been trying to rein in cable companies in the last two years.

Martin is already taking flak from several directions for his plans to increase cable regulation under the "70/70 rule", which says the FCC can impose more regulations when 70% of American homes have cable access. Martin has said in the past that he is acting in the interests of consumers - but some consumer groups are among his fiercest critics.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, left, accompanied by commissioners Michael J. Copps, center, and Jonathan S. Adelstein, right, reviews documents as he testifies on Capitol... (Associated Press)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, left, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this Feb. 1, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) (Associated Press)

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House GOP Group Slams FCC on Cable

'Too much regulation' of industry, say Kevin Martin's fellow Republicans

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FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans

Martin's data slammed; vote on more regulation delayed until next year

FCC Chief May Not Have Votes to Curb Cable

Martin is struggling for majority of 5-member commission

FCC to Strike Down Exclusive Cable Deals

Likely to cut prices; Verizon, AT&T set to offer multi-services

Court Smacks Down FCC in Net Neutrality Case

Agency had no standing to regulate Comcast, 3-judge panel rules

Obama's FCC Pick Brings Reformer Label

Tech adviser Genachowski lauded to lead troubled agency

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House GOP Group Slams FCC on Cable

'Too much regulation' of industry, say Kevin Martin's fellow Republicans

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FCC • cable TV • regulation • Kevin Martin

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans

Martin's data slammed; vote on more regulation delayed until next year

FCC Chief May Not Have Votes to Curb Cable

Martin is struggling for majority of 5-member commission

FCC to Strike Down Exclusive Cable Deals

Likely to cut prices; Verizon, AT&T set to offer multi-services

Court Smacks Down FCC in Net Neutrality Case

Agency had no standing to regulate Comcast, 3-judge panel rules

Obama's FCC Pick Brings Reformer Label

Tech adviser Genachowski lauded to lead troubled agency

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?