REPORT IS DUE NOV. 18TH
WASHINGTON -- Staffers at the Federal Communications Commission grilled cable industry reps Thursday about their opposition to letting viewers pick their channels individually, or "a la carte," expressing skepticism that it would destroy the economics of the industry.
Thursday's FCC symposium was part of the agency's research as it prepares to issue a report to Congress on the controversial a la carte model by Nov. 18. The House Commerce Committee requested the report earlier this year. Consumer advocacy groups have been asking Congress to look into why cable companies won't let subscribers pick the channels they want in their subscription packages instead of being forced into accepting dozens of channels they may never watch while still paying for them.
The FCC won't make recommendations to Congress, but its findings could determine whether Congress passes a bill to force cable companies to offer channel menus.
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2004/07/64399
WASHINGTON -- Staffers at the Federal Communications Commission grilled cable industry reps Thursday about their opposition to letting viewers pick their channels individually, or "a la carte," expressing skepticism that it would destroy the economics of the industry.
Thursday's FCC symposium was part of the agency's research as it prepares to issue a report to Congress on the controversial a la carte model by Nov. 18. The House Commerce Committee requested the report earlier this year. Consumer advocacy groups have been asking Congress to look into why cable companies won't let subscribers pick the channels they want in their subscription packages instead of being forced into accepting dozens of channels they may never watch while still paying for them.
The FCC won't make recommendations to Congress, but its findings could determine whether Congress passes a bill to force cable companies to offer channel menus.
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2004/07/64399
I have a shitload and only watch
ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, FX, ESPN, ESPN2, MTV, MTV2, HBO (only if Entourage is in season), ESPNU, Fox Soccer, Gol, Setanta, TLC (or whatever channel shows Miami Ink), CSTV, Spike, CW and some of the local Fox Sports Networks. Also will flip through a few other channels, but that is about it. No idea what else my wife watches.
I did just call and get the Directv Basico package so I can watch Italy/Scotland Saturday on ESPN Deportes, but that will be cancelled after the game ends.
ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, FX, ESPN, ESPN2, MTV, MTV2, HBO (only if Entourage is in season), ESPNU, Fox Soccer, Gol, Setanta, TLC (or whatever channel shows Miami Ink), CSTV, Spike, CW and some of the local Fox Sports Networks. Also will flip through a few other channels, but that is about it. No idea what else my wife watches.
I did just call and get the Directv Basico package so I can watch Italy/Scotland Saturday on ESPN Deportes, but that will be cancelled after the game ends.
Congressmen get rewards from lobbying groups (cable industry, for eg.) to vote against what's beneficial for the general public. That's the American way, not what's best for their constituents, but what's best for them and their families. I get four Spanish channels which because I don't speak the language never watch and three shopping channels which I don't desire, but Comcast says take it or no ESPN/ESPN2. I'm stuck with them along with other unecessary channels but it's their call not mine.
