FCC to Vote on Pricing Transparency for Cable & Satellite Viewers

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed final rules to require cable and satellite TV providers to specify the “all-in” price clearly and prominently for video programming services in their promotional materials and on subscribers’ bills. The Chairwoman aims to eliminate the misleading practice of describing video programming costs as a tax, fee, or surcharge. This updated “all-in” pricing format will allow consumers to make informed choices, including the ability to comparison shop among competitors and to compare programming costs against alternative programming providers, including streaming services. If adopted by a vote of the full Commission at its March 14 Open Meeting, these rules will require cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to state the total cost of video programming services clearly and prominently, including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming, and other programming-related fees, as a prominent single line item on subscribers’ bills and in promotional materials.