The FCC published its final broadcast flag rule in the Federal Re...

The FCC published its final broadcast flag rule in the Federal Register Wed. The rule takes effect Jan. 2, with the exception of some reporting requirements, whose effective dates won’t be published until approved by the Office of Management & Budget. Also Wed., the FCC published proposed rules governing its mechanisms and standards for approving broadcast flag hardware and recording equipment. Comments on the rulemaking are due Jan. 14. The Commission is seeking comments on whether cable systems should be allowed to encrypt their digital basic tier to comply with the flag requirement. It also is asking for comment on the interplay between an ATSC flag system and the development of open- source software applications for DTV.