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[ The Video Agenda ]
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I want my PEG TV
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by Mark J. Pescatore
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When the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce writes a letter to his local cable company, he can generally expect a response. In this case, Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, personally addressed the concerns of Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), who doesn't like Comcast's recent plan regarding PEG channels.
Comcast has decided to deliver its PEG channels in some Michigan communities in a digital format. The channels are still part of the basic service tier -- you don't have to upgrade to a more expensive programming package -- but you won't be able to receive them on an analog television without a set-top box.
In a letter dated Jan. 7, Roberts argued that the digital format will improve picture quality and provide a more uniform grouping of channels that will be better for customers. Plus, more than half of Comcast's Michigan customers already have digital service, and Comcast has agreed to provide one free set-top box to all affected households for a year. (After that, subscribers will have to add the cost of renting a set-top-box to their monthly cable bill.) So, this really isn't a big deal.
Dingell disagrees. So should you.
The reason why Comcast is bumping PEG to the digital tier is competition. Cable companies no longer have the luxury of being the only subscription TV service in town. They face competition from satellite and broadband service providers, which aren't encumbered with must-carry PEG requirements.
"To compete effectively ... it is only fair that we have somewhat of a level playing field," Roberts wrote. "We are proud of our PEG commitments and have no desire to cut back on them. But we must expedite the return of analog spectrum, so that we can offer more video channels, more high-definition programming (including that of local broadcasters), and other advanced services that consumers demand."
Roberts noted a provision in the Cable Television Consumer Protection Act of 1992 that recognizes the potential need for the "installation and lease of equipment used by subscribers to receive the basic service tier, including a converter box..." However, that's not really the case here. Comcast still offers cable service without a set-top box.
Moving must-carry PEG channels into a must-have-box scenario might be within the letter of the law -- though it'd be an interesting legal argument if challenged -- but it's clearly at odds with the spirit of the law. As Dingell noted, it treats PEG channels differently than local commercial broadcast channels. I understand Comcast's desire for a competitive edge, but it shouldn't come at the cost of the public interest.
Mark J. Pescatore is the editor. Contact him at mpescatore@nbmedia.com.
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