Word: fcc
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...FCC ruling allows the networks to sop up some of the profits...
...FCC staff began having second thoughts in the late 1970s about the earlier decision. By removing the networks as sources of financing for new TV shows, the commission in effect turned production almost totally over to the major studios like Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros, and Twentieth Century-Fox, and to the big independents like MTM, Lorimar and Spelling, who are able to afford the megabucks necessary to launch a new program. That, reasoned the staff in a 1980 report, simply concentrated the program supply power in fewer hands instead of dispersing...
...action stemmed from a fear that without such restrictions, ABC, CBS and NBC would gain virtual monopoly control over the business of supplying programs. Now, however, the FCC noted, the markets for programs have altered drastically. Independent stations and emerging cable-television and videocassette operations have taken a growing share of the TV audience away from the networks. Hence the networks' potential monopoly may not exist. The networks, under the ruling, would be allowed to finance and own up to 100% of new shows...
...boost rates by $1.2 billion, claiming that the AT&T breakup will cut its revenues 45% while reducing operating expenses only 15%. In California, Pacific Telephone & Telegraph is seeking an increase of $1.2 billion, which would double the current monthly charge of $7 a household. Some observers, like FCC Chairman Mark Fowler, consider the requests opportunistic. Said he: "I suspect a hefty portion of these proposed increases may be an effort by the local companies to use the dramatic changes in the industry as an excuse to seek higher rates than warranted...
...FCC's approval of some increases may still get disconnected in Congress, where many legislators fear high local rates could make phone service too expensive for the elderly and the jobless. A bill proposed in the Senate by Republican Robert Packwood of Oregon and in the House by Democrat John Dingell of Michigan would nullify the FCC action and place surcharges on long-distance phone companies in order to restore some subsidies for local rates. The legislation, which would eliminate the FCC's planned extra charges, has solid support. Politicians know that as soon as phone bills back...