Originally published December 27 2005
AT&T supports "a la carte" cable programming
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
AT&T will offer "a la carte" programming to its video customers, following the FCC's suggestion that cable providers should stop forcing people to buy TV channels they don't want. Programmers routinely bar this because of advertising rates.
AT&T (T) is throwing its weight behind Uncle Sam's push to give consumers a choice of cable channels, telling the Federal Communications Commission that it wants to offer a la carte programming to its video customers.
"We support giving customers flexibility and options," AT&T said in a statement prepared for USA TODAY.
AT&T plans to start selling video services later this month.
But to sell its TV services a la carte, AT&T would need the cooperation of programmers --- who have so far refused.
Its decision to embrace a la carte follows the FCC's suggestion that the cable industry stop forcing people to buy bundles that include TV channels they don't want.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said Tuesday that he thinks cable operators should give consumers the option of choosing individual channels, also known as "a la carte."
Verizon, which is selling video in a handful of markets, is also considering a la carte.
Programmers routinely bar cable operators from selling channels a la carte.
Cable programmers base ad rates on the number of viewers they reach.
The problem could worsen, he warns, as cable operators --- as well as broadcasters and satellite TV --- pack on more channels.
"The bundles get bigger, and prices go up," Kimmelman says.
Without congressional action, the FCC's suggestion "will make no difference unless program owners are required to ...
The National Cable & Telecommunications Association said in a statement: "We don't support unnecessary government intrusion into private marketplace negotiations."
It remains to be seen if Congress will intercede.
But there's a precedent for doing so.
Until the early 1990s, the cable industry refused to sell programming to satellite-TV companies.
Congress in 1992 forced programmers to sell content to satellite carriers, and the industry flourished.
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