[opendtv] Re: Minority and rural groups oppose FCC's plan to change cable TV rules
- From: Albert Manfredi <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:37:34 -0500
Craig Birkmaier wrote:
> Why would ala carte result in the availability of less
> channels?
Simple. If each channel must pay for itself, there's no hope of stuffing a few
frequencies with material of questionable general interest, like minority or
other niche programming. The cable system would instead grab that bandwidth and
use it for more lucrative purposes, such as VOD, HD simulcasts (for which they
can charge extra), broadband Internet access, and telephone service.
> The problem for minorities now is gaining access to distribution.
The only hope for these special channels would be for them to be included in
bundles, perhaps even mandated to be bundled among more general interest
programming, by local governments. Just like other similar channels on cable
systems are mandated.
> Meanwhile, cable systems are trying to find spectrum for
> new services, as the FCC wants them to simulcast in analog
> at least through 2012.
Or provide the necessary D/A conversion on customer premises. But that's
exactly the point. So I don't understand why we aren't agreeing.
Bert
_________________________________________________________________
Share life as it happens with the new Windows Live.Download today it's FREE!
http://www.windowslive.com/share.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_sharelife_112007
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways:
- Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at
FreeLists.org
- By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word
unsubscribe in the subject line.
Other related posts: