Two weeks ago, the Federal Communications Commission finally secured a Republican majority, something it has not had for almost a year and half. During that time, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has had no choice but to work with the two Democrats on the commission and has generally done quite well minimizing the potential for the usual regulatory, big-government intervention in an incredibly dynamic telecommunications marketplace. Thus, one would think that there is cause for relief now that two new Republican commissioners have joined the FCC and that this agency would not begin regulating for no good reason.
Frankly, based on the overall administration record, the Chief does not hold sanguine hopes that the FCC will not come down on the side of the broadcasters. In spite of lip service to “the free-market”, the de-facto evvvect of most administration regulatory policy has been in the opposite direction, unless of course it involves the US taking it in the neck regarding international trade, and the scandalous refusal to consistantly and effectively act to enforce immigration laws.
But, surprisingly, the first issue teed up for decision is something called “multicast must carry,” a big government mandate pressed by broadcasters for years. In essence, this mandate would force cable and satellite providers to carry all the programming streams dreamed up by broadcasters, instead of allowing the marketplace and consumers to drive the demand for what they want to watch.
…the test of whether President Bush will finally get a free-market-oriented commission that understands that government intervention is a last, and usually bad, resort rests with the two new commissioners, Robert McDowell and Deborah Tate. We hope they understand how important the stakes really are.
One hopes, as does the editorialist that this will end well, but, the Chief being from Missouri (originally) they will have to “Show me” before I believe it.