Martin's DTV Lease Plan Drawing Little Support

MARTIN'S DTV LEASE PLAN DRAWING LITTLE SUPPORT
[SOURCE: tvnewsday 4/4, AUTHOR: Kim McAvoy]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's plan to create a new class of “small and independently owned” TV broadcasters using digital channels leased from conventional, licensed broadcasters is generating more confusion than enthusiasm. So far, only religious broadcasters have embraced the idea. Most others are waiting to see the full proposal before passing final judgment. It’s now being circulated among the other FCC commissioners. Under Martin’s rent-a-channel plan, the digital broadcasters would have all the obligations of regular broadcasters, but would also have all the rights. In other words, they will have to air three hours a week of children’s programming, but they will also be able to demand carriage on local cable systems. The opportunity would be limited to “small and independently owned businesses,” Chairman Martin suggested in a March 9 speech before the American Women in Radio and Television.
http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2007/04/04/daily.2/