FCC Takes First Steps Toward Reforming `Retransmission Consent’ Rules

The Federal Communications Commission on March 3 took a small step toward reforming the nearly 20-year-old process by which cable operators negotiate with television networks for the right to retransmit broadcast programming.

In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the FCC adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking to explore whether the agency should, or could, do more to prevent blackouts of television programming when negotiations to renew so-called “retransmission consent” agreements reach an impasse.

The agency’s rulemaking focuses primarily on measures the FCC can take under the Cable Act of 1992, which provides that the terms of retransmission be set by agreement ...