Digital TV Facts: The Latest

The FCC is putting the brakes on a plan to require cable companies to devote additional channel slots to local broadcasters. Commission Chairman Kevin Martin has withdrawn this week’s scheduled vote on mandated carriage for digital TV multicasts. Fellow Republican Robert McDowell, whose Senate confirmation last month returned the five-member panel to GOP control, apparently would not support Martin’s plan.

The proposed regulation, rejected twice before by the FCC, aroused pointed opposition from House Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the subcommittee on telecommunications and the internet.

Earlier:
• FCC chair’s multicast plan draws more fire from Congress
• FCC to move on cable slots for multicasting

• Link: Reuters