Cable Channel Lineup NPRM Gets MVPD Backing, LFA Pushback
MVPD interests back the FCC's proposed change of a rule that subscribers get 30-day notice of a possible service change in a nonrenewed carriage agreement's last 30 days. Local franchise authorities (LFA) raised red flags, in docket 19-347 comments posted…
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Friday. Commissioners approved the NPRM 5-0 in December (see 1912120063). NCTA supported FCC proposals for "ASAP" notifications of a blackout due to failing carriage negotiations and for streamlined notices to LFAs, and urged going further. It said the FCC should end requirements to notify LFAs about rate and service changes, or send subscribers advance notices of any big change in the information reported in annual notices and notices of the deletion or repositioning of a broadcast channel. It sought clarification that rules require advance notice to stations only when the change is within the MVPD's control. America's Communications Association backed ending notification of an annual notice change. Altice suggested that atop the NPRM revisions, look for notice obligation changes. The operator said there's no need to define ASAP because operators "have every incentive" to explain to subscribers a breakdown in negotiations to avoid confusion and minimize customer dissatisfaction. The notice requirement doesn't "empower consumers; it harms them" since they face false alarms from MVPDs, Verizon said. It said the best route for ASAP notifications are emails or “channel slates" notices replacing a televised feed. Boston; Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland; and the Texas Coalition of Cities for Utilities Issues oppose ending the requirement of notifying about potentially dropped programming. They support a proposed amendment to require subscribers be notified as soon as possible, if it's in addition to 30-day notice. They urged the agency drop the 90-day notice requirement LFAs provide cable operators for being included in notice distributions. NATOA said the NPRM lacks justification or authority to ax the requirement operators provide LFAs 30-day written notice before rate or service changes. The group rejected cable arguments of potential consumer confusion: "We have every confidence that cable operators can clearly communicate to their subscribers that a channel lineup change is a possibility that will come to pass only if negotiations fail to result in an agreement."