FCC Adopts New Program Access Rules To Promote Video Competition

The FCC has adopted controversial new rules intended to make it easier for multichannel video programming distributors, such as cable television operators and satellite television operators, to acquire rights to retransmit video programming in which competing cable operators may have an ownership interest.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules limiting the ability of multichannel video programming distributors—including cable television, satellite and other programming outlets—to restrict competitors' access to programming in which they have an interest. Concerned about the effects on competition posed by increasing vertical integration in the programming and cable industries, the FCC adopted the new rules to address recent and ongoing disputes involving video distributors who are denied access to programming owned by their competitors, such as regional sports networks and other "non-replicable" programming. By giving competing providers