In another controversial move, the FCC has approved by a 3-2 vote the adoption of the ATSC 3.0 standard for broadcast TV, known as Next Gen TV. This IP-based standard will permit over-the-air broadcasters to offer Ultra High Definition signals and improve mobile transmission. Sounds good, right? Opponents cite two concerns.
Three Takeaways from the Disney/Netflix Split
The media community has been buzzing with the news that Disney plans to launch its own digital subscription channel for movies and series content. Its current license deal with Netflix expires at the end of 2018, after which new Disney and Pixar titles will move to the new channel. Disney will also be launching a
Wheeler Resignation May Spell Demise of Set-Top Box Deregulation
FCC Chair Tom Wheeler has announced his resignation effective upon Donald Trump’s inauguration. The President-elect has not yet announced his choice to replace Wheeler, but it’s a safe bet that the new Republican majority on the Commission will encourage a more freewheeling regulatory climate.
This blog has followed closely Wheeler’s efforts to force cable operators
Set-Top Box Deregulation: The Gloves Come Off
The FCC proposal to deregulate cable and satellite television set-top boxes is facing heavy headwinds as powerful interests line up in opposition. The current proposal is itself a compromise to its original proposal to require providers to give access to their information streams to other set-top box makers. In response to powerful opposition, the proposal
Wheeler Set-Top Box Proposal: It’s Apps
Continuing the process that began earlier this year, FCC Chair Tom Wheeler has issued a proposal to the Commission to implement the deregulation of cable set-top boxes.
Wheeler’s proposal will require cable and satellite system operators (MSOs) to offer subscribers access to their services by means of a free app. Consumers could keep their
Set-Top Box Deregulation: Latest Developments
In January the FCC proposed rules to establish open standards for set-top boxes. The notice and comment period on those rules is nearing its end. As it is likely that the FCC will move forward with its planned deregulation, the groups in opposition are concentrating on shaping the rules to result in minimal disruption to
Screening Room Battle Lines Solidify
Controversy over The Screening Room is evolving day by day as industry players weigh in on one side or another. Today director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) joined the naysayers.
Deregulation of Set-Top Boxes: Bad for Minorities?
The FCC’s announced intention to deregulate cable set-top boxes has sparked a debate on the effect such a change might have on programs targeting minority groups.
Many of the advocacy organizations for diversity in programming are opposing the change. They foresee that universal set-top
Is A La Carte Cable Inevitable?
Verizon’s FiOS television service made news a few weeks ago when it announced that it would offer its channel packages in smaller, cheaper bundles organized by category (e.g., sports, family, news). This prompted an immediate objection from Disney that the terms of Verizon’s license for Disney-owned ESPN prohibit the channel from being offered in a
Apple Plans Online TV Service
This has been an eventful month for those interested in tracking developments in internet television distribution. Apple has announced that it’s in discussions with numerous TV programmers to launch on online service by fall to play over Apple TV as well as Apple mobile devices. This announcement is hot on the heels of Apple’s securing