More local channels on cable? Put public interest first
June 2nd, 2006A plan to give additional cable channel slots to local digital TV stations could be put to an FCC vote on June 15, according to Multichannel News. It’s a big giveaway, and apparently Kevin Martin is in a big hurry. Not so fast, says the Campaign Legal Center, an election-watchdog organization. The nonpartisan group is again calling on the FCC to require broadcasters to commit to providing local public-interest programming before considering such a proposal:
The Commission’s formal rulemaking process on the public interest obligations of broadcasters in the digital age has already dragged on for more than six years without any rules being issued. To proceed with digital multicast must-carry rules without having enacted clear, meaningful public interest obligations would put the cart before the horse yet again at the expense of the American public.
Will the FCC grant these new privileges across the board—even to those stations that, according to recent reports, have broadcast “fake news” reports provided by corporate PR firms or the Bush administration, without disclosing their origin?
Local television broadcasters can play a key role in informing their communities—and a great many do. If they want to remain relevant in a world of expanding video choices and platforms, local content is a core strength they can build on. To grant new privileges without new commitments would be a huge mistake.
Earlier:
• Digital TV and the public interest
• To make multicast TV local, stations need viewer content
• Links: Campaign Legal Center, Multichannel News, about.com