FCC Ponders Digital Cable Petition

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission has found itself in the midst of a fiery debate between cable broadcasters and cable operators over the future of digital and high-definition broadcasting.

The issue centers around a "must-carry" rule that would go into effect once 85 percent of U.S. homes can receive digital streams, at which point broadcasters must return their analog channel to the U.S. government.

And while an 85 percent digital saturation point is still nearly a decade away, the FCC, cable operators and broadcasters are already butting heads over laying the groundwork for faster adoption of digital programming.

Current law dictates that cable operators must carry a broadcaster's primary channel, but the advent of digital television has allowed many broadcasters to branch out and offer a more diverse selection of digital channels or one HDTV channel.

The must-carry rule is aimed at something known as "multicasting," in which broadcasters parcel off digital content into numerous channels in addition to maintaining their original channels.

In opposition to several other FCC Commissioners, Chairman Michael Powell is throwing his weight behind cable operators who argue against having to carry the extra channels, claiming that the law only requires them to transmit the broadcaster's primary channel.

Cable operators also argue that the must-carry rule favors broadcast programming over cable-generated programming.

Several years ago the FCC ruled that cable carriers were only required to carry digital transmissions that "most resembled" a broadcasters original analog channel.

But according to groups like the National Association of Broadcasters, multicasting is essential for consumers to receive the full benefits of digital and high-definition television.

"It is vitally important for cable systems to carry all signals offered by local TV stations," said NAB President and CEO Edward O. Fritts said. "NAB will continue to strongly advocate this position as the FCC deliberates this issue."

According to reports, 491 broadcast stations are currently multicasting out of 1,700 broadcast stations.

The FCC will vote on the must-carry rule by Feb. 10.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More