Future of Video, FCC Oversight Hearings Slated

First House E&C visits for new commissioners Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/14/2012 3:16:03 PM

The House Energy & Commerce Committee's Communications Subcommittee will hold a future of video hearing June 27, following up on last week's hearing on the future of audio.

"Since the passage of the 1992 Cable Act, there has been a sea change in the way that consumers gain access to video content," said Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) in announcing the hearing. "On June 27, the subcommittee will examine how advances in consumer electronics, broadcasting, cable, satellite, the Internet and other platforms are changing how consumers access video content, how those changes are impacted by existing regulations, and what type of regimes should apply going forward."

The FCC has just gotten reply comments in its request for help in deciding what, if any, access and programming carriage/exclusivity regs should apply to over the top video, while DOJ is investigating cable operators over allegations they are disfavoring online video.

No witnesses have been announced for the hearing.

Also, confirming a report in B&C/Multichannel News, the full committee has scheduled an FCC oversight hearing for July 10.

It will be the committee's first chance to hear from the two new commissioners, as well as to catch up with the others.

"This hearing will allow the subcommittee to hear from all five commissioners, including recently confirmed commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai," said Walden, "and to examine current proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC's regulatory process, and the agency's progress in implementing congressional priorities."

The chairman was a driving force behind FCC reform legislation that passed the House last March.