United States · Amendment · HAMDT

HAMDT 743 (102nd)

Amendment prohibits video programmers affiliated with cable operators from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices that hinder or exclude competing cable systems, or alternative broadcast distribution systems from obtaining programming. The amendment prohibits discrimination in the price, terms, and conditions for carrying programs offered to competing multichannel broadcast delivery systems. The amendment would allow affiliated programmers to establish different prices, terms, and conditions of service for competing systems as a result of actual differences in the cost of production, sales, distribution, and program transmission, and reasonable discounts based on market size. Exclusive contracts between cable programmers and operators would be permitted if the FCC determines that such contracts serve the public interest.