The New FCC

THE NEW FCC
[SOURCE: Washington Times 6/15, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
[Commentary] Two weeks ago, the Federal Communications Commission finally secured a Republican majority, something it has not had for almost a year and half. During that time, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has had no choice but to work with the two Democrats on the commission and has generally done quite well minimizing the potential for the usual regulatory, big-government intervention in an incredibly dynamic telecommunications marketplace. Thus, one would think that there is cause for relief now that two new Republican commissioners have joined the FCC and that this agency would not begin regulating for no good reason. But, surprisingly, the first issue teed up for decision is something called "multicast must carry," a big government mandate pressed by broadcasters for years. In essence, this mandate would force cable and satellite providers to carry all the programming streams dreamed up by broadcasters, instead of allowing the marketplace and consumers to drive the demand for what they want to watch. The FCC has twice previously rejected multicasting requirements for two reasons. One, it's a bad idea. Two, it's unconstitutional. Unfortunately, FCC Chairman Martin has always supported this mandate. So, the test of whether President Bush will finally get a free-market-oriented commission that understands that government intervention is a last, and usually bad, resort rests with the two new commissioners, Robert McDowell and Deborah Tate. We hope they understand how important the stakes really are.
http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20060614-091336-1651r.htm