Channeling Demand

[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
[Commentary] FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has laid out three options for harnessing a television landscape that is more violent, profane and sexually suggestive than ever: the first would require cable networks such as FX and ESPN to comply with the same decency regulations as over-the-air networks such as Fox and ABC. A second would have cable and satellite operators offer a bundle of "family friendly" networks as an alternative to the current grab-bag packages of optional channels. The third option would let parents sign up just for the channels that they want their kids to watch, rather than having to choose from among packages of channels selected by their service provider. But as Chairman Martin well knows, his agency has little power to force any of his suggestions to become reality. Nor is Congress well-equipped to turn his ideas into mandates. The nation's two largest phone companies, AT&T and Verizon, are modifying their wires to compete with cable. Their technology is well-suited to delivering à la carte channels or programs on demand. But they are running into stiff resistance from the major media conglomerates. Such reluctance to experiment with a new business model is a blunder, particularly when many lawmakers are itching to do something about indecency on pay TV and consumers are finding plenty of new ways to be entertained. Before the FCC or Congress goes down a risky regulatory path, somebody should test the market for à la carte service.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-martin2dec02,1,6497603.story?coll=la-news-comment
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