Cable Continues to Resist Channel Lineups in Public File Requirement
The cable industry is countering arguments operators be required to post channel lineups in their online public files. In docket 18-92 replies posted Monday, NCTA said such information is available in many ways, including electronic program guides and operators' websites.…
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It said arguments that operators might not provide accurate listings of programs carried ignores there's no requirement they describe programming of any channels, so eliminating the requirement to include channel line-ups in public files won't change that. The American Cable Association said arguments for retaining or expanding online public inspection file obligations are at odds with that many cable providers comply already by posting a link to their websites. It said cable operators don't need a legal obligation to provide an accurate channel lineup because they have economic incentives for doing so. ITTA repeated support for eliminating sections 76.1705 and 76.1700(a)(4) of FCC rules -- requiring a hard copy of channel lineups be maintained at the operator's local office and that providers with at least 1,000 subscribers keep in their online public files a current channel listing. It said the agency shouldn't put new channel lineup information provision requirements on systems with fewer than 1,000 subscribers, saying a small minority of such operators don't maintain a website or post channel lineups on their sites. Boston's Office of Broadband and Cable urged the FCC to clarify that operators must maintain historical records of lineups in their online public files and present full channel lineups and programming information to consumers. It said modernization of regulation "should not be a synonym for elimination." It said local franchising authorities and consumers shouldn't be deprived of needed data and forced to rely on promotional materials and program guides from which operators often withhold channel and programming information. Broadcasters and public, educational and governmental programmers argued for keeping lineups in online public files (see 1805310060).