[opendtv] Re: Minority and rural groups oppose FCC's plan to change cable TV rules

Craig Birkmaier wrote:

> Why would ala carte result in the availability of less
> channels?

Simple. If each channel must pay for itself, there's no hope of stuffing a few 
frequencies with material of questionable general interest, like minority or 
other niche programming. The cable system would instead grab that bandwidth and 
use it for more lucrative purposes, such as VOD, HD simulcasts (for which they 
can charge extra), broadband Internet access, and telephone service.

> The problem for minorities now is gaining access to distribution.

The only hope for these special channels would be for them to be included in 
bundles, perhaps even mandated to be bundled among more general interest 
programming, by local governments. Just like other similar channels on cable 
systems are mandated.

> Meanwhile, cable systems are trying to find spectrum for
> new services, as the FCC wants them to simulcast in analog
> at least through 2012.

Or provide the necessary D/A conversion on customer premises. But that's 
exactly the point. So I don't understand why we aren't agreeing.

Bert

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