The FCC should resolve program access disputes through binding ar...

The FCC should resolve program access disputes through binding arbitration, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy said in comments this week. Last month, the Media Bureau opened a proceeding on whether it should keep rules that bar cable operators from withholding programming networks they own from competing pay-TV services. The rules expire in Oct. The Bureau also asked whether the complaint process should be changed (CD Feb 22 p5). Letting the rules expire would hurt small businesses like sports bars and B&Bs, the Administration said, recommending a 3-year extension. Binding arbitration for carriage disputes would help small businesses by addressing the “disproportionate bargaining power among [vertically integrated content] providers, the cumbersome discovery process and questions regarding FCC authority concerning disputes,” the Administration said. The FCC will accept comments on the rulemaking until April 2 and reply comments until April 16.