CFA Comments to FCC on Multichannel Video Programming Distribution Services
In this proceeding, the Commission sets out to unleash a new wave of innovation in the online video market by tentatively adopting an expanded definition of MVPD that includes online providers of linear video programming. If such a redefinition were to take effect, online providers of linear video programming would be able to reasonably negotiate for programming with vertically integrated cable companies (under the program access rules) and with broadcasters (under the retransmission consent regime). The Consumer Federation of America applauds the Commission’s proposal to remove the “transmission path” requirement from the current definition of MVPD, as it would clear up a crucial bottleneck in the online video industry: access to programming.
