FCC to review cable outlets withholding sports telecasts

1/5/10, NY Post: The FCC "will consider preventing Comcast and other cable TV companies from withholding some sports telecasts from competitors.

• The rule change will be considered at the Federal Communications Commission's meeting on Jan. 20, the agency said.

Comcast withholds its SportsNet coverage of professional teams in Philadelphia from satellite competitors DirecTV and Dish Network,

• and AT&T has complained of restrictions by cable companies Cox Communications and Cablevision Systems.

"Millions of fans will be extremely happy when they can watch regional sports programming in HD from the TV provider of their choice," David Fish, a Washington-based spokesman for Verizon Communications Inc., said in an e-mail. Verizon sells high-definition TV service through its fiber-optics network.

• AT&T dropped a 2007 complaint against Cablevision after the New York-based cable-TV provider agreed to let AT&T air New York Knicks basketball games and other sports in Connecticut."...

"FCC Eyes TV Sports Shut-Outs," NY Post by Michael Gray via Inside Radio

• Prices to go up: "Cable providers are faced with competition from satellite providers and telecoms, as well as ballooning technology spending required to deliver extras like high-definition TV and programming on demand."...CNN Money, 1/6

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