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from: Technology Daily

Cable Firms May Get Relief Despite Wave Of Lawsuits

By David Hatch

(Wednesday April 3) The FCC plans to grant regulatory relief to incumbent cable operators despite six new lawsuits challenging new rules providing similar relief to telecom giants entering the pay television business, FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell indicated.

from: Xchange Magazine

Muncipalities Take FCC to Court in Video Franchise Fight

04/05/2007
Bob Wallace

Several groups representing municipalities have asked a federal appeals court to throw out the FCC’s national video franchising order.

The organizations on April 3 said the agency’s rules would “severely restrict” local government’s ability to protect citizens, rights-of-way, community channels and public safety networks.

Note: The FCC is on track for 'Corporate Giveway' part two - giving the cable companies the same public interest concessions that were granted to the phone companies.

from: Bloomberg News

FCC Won't Delay Vote on Cable TV Rules, McDowell Says

By Molly Peterson

April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Court challenges to rules that made it easier for AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. to offer television won't delay a vote on applying similar rules to cable companies, a U.S. Federal Communications Commission member said.

from: Spectrum Talk

Congress Nudges an FCC on Hold
Agency Tackles Backlog of Pending Matters After Democrats Complain

By Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writer
Washington Post Wednesday, April 4, 2007; D01

Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) scolded the five members of the Federal Communications Commission when he finally got them before a powerful subcommittee last month.

from: Denver Post

Suit by cities, counties may hinder Qwest cable TV goal

By John Dunbar
The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 04/03/2007 11:06:54 PM MDT

Washington - Local governments across the country went to court Tuesday to challenge federal rules intended to spur competition in the cable television industry.

From: Associated Press

Local Governments Sue FCC Over Cable Rules

April 3, 2007
By John Dunbar

Local governments across the country went to court Tuesday to challenge federal rules intended to spur competition in the cable television industry.

Lawyers for organizations representing cities and counties asked the appeals courts to invalidate rules the Federal Communications Commission approved in December to smooth the way for new competitors who want to offer cable television service.

From: Multichannel News

Local Government Groups Oppose FCC Order

April 3, 2007
By Linda Haugsted

The Federal Communications Commission’s recent order requiring local governments to approve applications from new video providers in 90 days represents an “abuse of discretion” and violates federal law, according to petitions for review filed Tuesday by a coalition of local government groups.

from: Scripps News

Youth journalists talk about public access TV

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

The FCC recently announced its recommendations on video franchising, allowing more companies into the cable television market. Its stated goal is to create more competition among companies, and savings per customer. But some people worry that the change could cause public access stations to lose the funding.

From: The Gazette

Note: Qwest pins it's hopes on the FCC video franchise ruling

Qwest Holds Off on State Cable

March 22, 2007
By Wayne Heilman

Qwest Communications International Inc. has halted any further talks in Colorado about cable television franchises until new federal rules are enacted.

from: Technoogy Daily

At Hearing, House Democrats Grill FCC Chairman Martin

By David Hatch

(Wednesday, March 14) The gloves came off as Democratic House members who had waited years to conduct FCC oversight leveled strong accusations at FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.

The hearing before the Energy and Commerce Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., marks the second time this year that the FCC's five commissioners have have testified before Congress as a group.