Regulation

BBC ups ante in carriage war with Sky

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:42:00 +0000

The BBC has taken its battle with satellite operator BSkyB to a new level by threatening to charge for its popular channels such as BBC1.

FCC’s Wireless Bureau seeks alternative auction plans

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:30:00 +0000

The bureau is focusing on a proposal offered by broadcasters and wireless companies that would start clearing spectrum at channel 51 and move downward.

The WTB has set deadlines of June 14 for comments and June 28 for replies.

FCC Commissioner Pai criticizes WTB auction rulemaking action

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:26:00 +0000

The commissioner pointed out that the FCC notice seeks input on a variety of options for which there is "little or no support."

Pai said the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau should not seek comment on new 600MHz band plans on delegated authority.

FCC seeks data on mobile wireless competition for report to Congress

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:54:00 +0000

Among the data the bureau is looking for is information on the structure of the industry, the conduct of wireless concerns, market performance and consumer behavior as relates to mobile services.

Europe’s booming VOD sector hits regulatory hurdles

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:50:00 +0000

Europe’s on-demand audiovisual sector is still expanding fast, but it has been reined back a little by running into increasing cross-border regulatory constraints.

EU tracks content with watermarking

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:43:00 +0000

The EU has deployed audiovisual watermarking technology to track consumption of content produced by its own institutions across all 27 member states.

RTDNA deplores DOJ snooping of AP phone records

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:40:00 +0000

The chairman of the Radio Television Digital News Association has issued a statement saying seizure of the phone records “strikes at the heart of the press freedoms we cherish in the United States.”

FCC's Media Bureau head says ATSC 3.0 unlikely player in repack

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:47:00 +0000

William Lake, head of the FCC Media Bureau, told those attending the ATSC Annual Meeting that there’s no time to dawdle in developing a new TV standard, but that it’s not likely to play a role in the incentive auction and repacking process.

All sides weigh in at Senate Video Competition hearing

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:26:00 +0000

Broadcasters, cable operators and consumer advocates took their opposing positions this week at video competition hearings held on Capitol Hill by the Senate Commerce Committee.

What's clear is that the state of video competition is thriving on all fronts.

Preston Padden offers FCC some concerns regarding spectrum auction

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:21:00 +0000

Padden has told the commission that its proposed requirements are restricting the availability of sharing partners for some stations interested in participating in the auction.

Padden stressed that the FCC should be encouraging stations to surrender their channels and channel share, not erecting barriers to this potentially attractive mechanism for participation.