In a speech to the Media Institute in Washington Wednesday, Gregg also had a self-determination message for the industry, saying, "the media itself has the responsibility for the kind of service it provides."
"I believe the commission has the role of providing assistance, favorable conditions, encouragement and, when necessary, leadership," she said, adding, "Sometimes the best things we can do is exercise restraint."
When asked why cable adult content is being targeted while the commission maintains its hands-off approach to the Internet, she said that the FCC works "one step at a time" and "does thing where we can get involved most easily."
Gregg also refused to confirm whether the FCC is attempting to “extort” policy conditions by stalling the sale of Adelphia to Comcast and Time Warner. The FCC requested a second round of information from the companies just last week.
Gregg also fielded multiple questions regarding whether the cable industry is being scared into offering voluntary family-friendly tiers, saying the move has been a voluntary undertaking on the part of cable companies. Anything that offers more choice is welcome and the digital tier is “an important first step,” she added. The FCC recently has been researching a la carte channels, as well as the proposed family tier.
Echoing recent comments by former FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, Gregg said the FCC has "an important role in equipping consumers with the information and the tools they need to make satisfying [media] choices."
