Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler floated a proposal Wednesday that would give Internet-based video services the same access to live content from cable and local stations as traditional television broadcasters.
The proposal, which seeks to alter the definition of "multichannel video programming distributor" (MVPD) to be technology-agnostic, would pave the way for consumers to subscribe to channels à la carte from internet services. Fans of Breaking Bad, for instance, could subscribe to AMC without also paying for channels like Lifetime, in which they are not interested.
"Consumers have long complained about how their cable service forces them to buy channels they never watch," Wheeler wrote in a blog post. "The move of video onto the Internet can do something about that frustration - but first Internet video services need access to the programs."
The definition of MVPD is one of the items that got "antenna subscription" service Aereo into trouble with federal authorities. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that Aereo had no right to rebroadcast content under the provision.
If the rule change is eventually implemented, prospective streaming providers would still need to reach financial agreements with the content owners. They also would not be allowed to provide programming on-demand — only "linear channels, which offer the viewer a prescheduled lineup of programs," would be covered.
44 Comments
I'm intrigued to find out how individual channels will be priced. It might even be a new source of income for some people: channels like QVC would have to pay ME to subscribe!
Let the games begin!
I'm intrigued to find out how individual channels will be priced. It might even be a new source of income for some people: channels like QVC would have to pay ME to subscribe! </s>
Exactly! There are so many channels on cable that have no business being there. I like the fact there are non-english channels for those people who really want to watch them but I don't so I see no reason to pay for them. Add all those stupid shopping channels and biased news channels and I'd trim my channels down to the bare minimum.
I am willing to bet that the cost of each subscription will add up, and we will find ourselves paying the same amount as we do now.
First the music cartel. Then the phone carrier cartel. Then low-quality/cheap PCs. Now retailers.
Next up, the cable luddites. And a little further drown the road, the movie/TV network cartel.
The revolution will be televised.....