STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE Re: In the Matter of Implementation of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and Development of Competition and Diversity in Video Programming Distribution: Section 628(c)(5) of the Communications Act, MB Docket No. 07-29, and Sunset of Exclusive Contract Prohibition Review of the Commission’s Program Access Rules and Examination of Programming Tying Arrangements, MB Docket No. 07-198 One of this Commission’s top priorities continues to be the development of a diversity of viewpoints. Such diversity can best be achieved when viewers have access to a variety of programming options. To encourage the development of new programming, and sustain the viability of current programming, we must encourage broadcasters, and cable and satellite operators, to offer viewers a broad array of content and voices. This item extends the current ban on exclusive contracts between cable operators and satellite cable programming vendors, or satellite broadcast programming vendors, for five years. While much has changed in the world of cable programming, at the current time it is necessary to provide certainty to consumers that they will have access to a variety of necessary programming by banning exclusive contracts. By reviewing this issue again in five years, we allow ourselves the flexibility to respond to further changes in the programming market. It should be our goal to see all disputes resolved as efficiently and impartially as possible. I look forward to reviewing the comments regarding whether we should make changes to our current process to fulfill these goals.