At its March 14, 2024, open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules that require multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs – cable television operators and satellite video providers) to...more
Members of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have long expressed concern about the consumer impacts of so-called retransmission consent “blackouts,” which occur when a multichannel video programming distributor...more
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s office announced that she has circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) among the other commissioners that would initiate a proceeding to explore...more
On December 20, 2019, the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 (new Section 642 of the Communications Act) became law as part of the "must-pass" 2020 appropriations act. ...more
Every three years, commercial television stations must choose between retransmission consent and mandatory carriage, also known as must-carry status, for the carriage of their broadcast signals on cable and satellite systems...more
C-Band Registration Filing Window Closes October 17, 2018 - Cable operators, Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs), radio and/or video broadcasters, video programmers, and other Fixed Satellite Service (FSS)...more
The FCC today released a Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, if adopted, would allow cable operators to deduct the value of in-kind contributions from cable franchise fee payments, and would limit the authority of...more
On October 22, 2016, AT&T announced its $108 billion proposed acquisition of Time Warner. After a year-plus investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit to enjoin the merger, alleging that the transaction would...more
In advance of its July Open Meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) unanimously adopted a Report and Order (Order) that revises the rules requiring certain video programming providers to make video...more
Many cities in California are considering the expansion of their Utility User Tax (UUT) to streaming video services. Such an expansion may be inconsistent with the cities’ existing ordinances, be invalid under Proposition 218...more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to amend its video description rules to increase the amount of required video described programming as well as the number...more
The FCC’s video description rules require covered broadcasters and MVPDs to provide audio-narration of the key visual elements of a program during pauses in the dialogue so as to make it more accessible to individuals who are...more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM” or “Proposed EAS Rules”) in January, proposing improvements to the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) and Wireless Emergency Alerts...more
UPDATE: The FCC released its Second Report and Order on February 19, 2016. The advisory below has been updated to reflect the details of the order. At its Open Meeting on February 18, 2016, the Federal Communications...more
FCC Will Seek Comments - The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday took two steps designed to give consumers greater access to multichannel video programming, including programming now provided via public,...more
On February 18, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched two proceedings designed to promote competition in the video marketplace—a proposed rulemaking related to devices used to access traditional TV...more
Yesterday, at its February Open Meeting, the Federal Communications Commission revisited its closed captioning rules to answer open questions regarding which entities in the video programming production and distribution...more
The FCC has amended its accessibility rules to add new requirements for audible on-screen program guides and activation mechanisms for closed captioning and video description. It also proposed additional rule changes that...more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released the text of its Second Report and Order (R&O) adopting rules requiring multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to pass through the secondary audio stream...more
Consistent with its recent actions expanding the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") oversight of the Internet and of privacy, the FCC has further extended its reach in another area—disability access. Expanding on its...more
At its May 21, 2015, Open Meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules requiring visually displayed emergency information to be available aurally on “second screens” – such as tablets, laptops, or...more
On Feb. 18, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an Order amending its rules to implement certain provisions of the STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014 (STELAR). The FCC concluded that these...more
The Federal Communications Commission, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released this month, requested public input about whether it should classify certain Internet-based video programmers as “multichannel video...more
The FCC’s equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) rules for multi-channel video program distributors (“MVPD”) require MVPD employment units with six or more full-time employees to file an Annual EEO Program Report, FCC Form...more
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules for multi-channel video program distributors (MVPD) require MVPD employment units with six or more full-time employees to file an Annual...more