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FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans

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

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 28, 2007 12:41 AM CST
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(Newser) – FCC boss Kevin Martin has lost a big battle in his attempt to tighten up regulation of cable TV, reports the New York Times. After strenuous efforts by cable lobbyists leading up to a heated meeting last night, Martin agreed to push back until next year a vote on expanding the FCC's powers to regulate the industry. Haggling with opponents on the commission over a compromise had delayed the meeting twelve hours.

Martin had been trying to push the additional regulation after claiming the industry had hit legal triggers based on the percentage of households it reached—the so-called "70/70" rule—which compelled tighter scrutiny. But both Democratic and Republican panel members called his data flawed. "There was an attempt to cook the books on this report,''  one said. An exasperated Martin defended his numbers.

Cable industry executive and lobbyists welcomed the hearing's outcome.
Cable industry executive and lobbyists welcomed the hearing's outcome.   (KRT Photos)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Michael Copps speaks during the annual FCC Breakfast at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas in this April 17, 2007 file photo. The communications system used by the nation's police, fire and other public safety agencies remains plagued by problems despite the...
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Michael Copps speaks during the annual FCC Breakfast at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas in this April 17, 2007 file...   (Associated Press)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate speaks during the annual FCC Breakfast at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 17, 2007. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps on Tuesday called for greater efforts to educate the public about a government-mandated switch-over to digital television...
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate speaks during the annual FCC Breakfast at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 17,...   (Associated Press)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin listens during a hearing. Martin's proposals to step up cable industry regulation have been scaled back. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin listens during a hearing. Martin's proposals to step up cable industry regulation have been scaled back. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)   (Associated Press)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin was accused of using flawed data by his fellow panel members. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin was accused of using flawed data by his fellow panel members. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)   (Associated Press)
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Shift in FCC findings criticized
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FCC • cable TV • regulation • telecommunications • Kevin Martin • a la carte pricing

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