Broadcast and Mass Media

Objective

To advocate for federal policies that keep government regulation of broadcasting and other mass media to a minimum, recognize the highly-competitive nature of the industry, and promote market-based solutions.

Summary of the Issue

The Chamber opposes efforts to impose or reinstitute ownership limits and other burdensome regulations on broadcasting, cable, and other mass media companies.  More content and more information sources are available now than ever before.  Today, consumers have access to a wide variety of content from over-the-air broadcasting, cable, satellite, video programming offered by local phone companies, newspapers, and the Internet.  In this competitive marketplace, companies battle vigorously for consumers by offering multiple sources of news and viewpoints, as well as compelling content and entertainment. Therefore, there is no market failure that justifies shackling these companies with additional, onerous regulations.

The Chamber opposes any effort to impose “a la carte” programming requirements on cable and other multichannel video providers.  Supporters of these requirements argue that consumers should be able to pick-and-choose the channels they subscribe to, instead of purchasing a tier or bundle of channels.  However, in an “a la carte” world, this government-imposed pricing system would erode the potential advertising base for niche channels and lead to less advertising dollars for the programmer, higher licensing fees, an increase in consumer costs, and, ultimately, fewer choices for consumers.

The Chamber opposes efforts to expand the ability of the Federal Communications Commission to regulate content on television, radio, cable, satellite, and other technologies.  The marketplace is working.  If a show does not achieve high enough ratings, it is removed from the schedule.  Parents have the tools necessary to protect their children from inappropriate content.  Since 2000, American consumers have purchased 180 million TV sets with V-Chip technology that allows parents to block the display of television programming based upon its rating. Approximately 85% of all households have cable or satellite service that includes additional blocking technology so parents can control their children’s access to programming more suitable for older teens and adults.  Moreover, two-thirds of all U.S. households do not even include a child under 18.

The Chamber is committed to educating its members about the federally-mandated switch from analog to digital television (DTV) broadcasting.  After February 17, 2009, analog TV sets that are not connected to cable or satellite will not be able to receive over-the-air broadcast television signals without purchasing a converter box.  Because digital is a more efficient way to broadcast, the transition will free up the airwaves for wireless broadband and public safety communications.

U.S. Chamber Strategy

• Promote market-based and technological solutions to public policy issues by providing comments, testimony, and policy recommendations in legislative and regulatory forums.

Staff Contact Information

Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs Division
(202) 463-5533
environment@uschamber.com