Internet TV battles come to head at FCC
Changes in the television marketplace have been fast and furious in recent months, and soon more tumult may come by way of the Federal Communications Commission. A push to break open the technology of the television set top box, and the FCC's review of Comcast and NBC Universal's proposed merger, could chart a new course for the industry as the Internet and television collide, observers said.
First, media and communications firms are watching to see if the FCC proposes a rule in coming months that would standardize set-top-box technology and loosen the grip of cable and satellite providers over the gateway device to the television. The All Video (known as AllVid) idea was first introduced in the FCC's broadband plan last spring, and the agency said it would aim for a December proposal for concrete rules. Observers say the agency is more likely to introduce a policy proposal in early 2011.
Second, the agency's review of Comcast and NBC Universal's merger is now being cast by competitors and public interest groups as the nexus of many hot-button issues in the telecom and media industries. The FCC recently asked Comcast dozens of additional questions about its merger, many related to contract negotiations with content programmers and how the merger could affect online video distribution deals. Analyst Rebecca Arbogast of Stifel Nicolaus said the FCC's review could extend into early 2011.
Internet TV battles come to head at FCC