NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT November 27, 2007 Mary Diamond (202) 418-2388 Email: mary.diamond@fcc.gov FCC Adopts Rules to Promote Video Programming Diversity Ensures Consumers Receive Broader Array of Programming Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Report and Order (Order) which allows consumers to receive a broader and more diverse range of programming from their cable operators. Cable operators are required by statute to set aside channel capacity for commercial use by unaffiliated video programmers (leased access channels). Congress enacted the statute to promote competition in the delivery of diverse sources of video programming and bring about the widest possible diversity of information sources for cable subscribers. The Commission adopted this Order today in response to comments from leased access programmers regarding slow response times to information requests and excessive rates and fees. The Order facilitates the use of leased access channels by adopting more specific leased access customer service standards and increased enforcement of those standards, faster cable operator response times to information requests and more appropriate leased access rates. The Order also expedites the leased access complaint process and improves the discovery process related to leased access disputes. The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on applying the revised rate methodology to programmers transmitting predominantly sales presentations or program length commercials, which are excluded from today’s revisions. Action by the Commission November 27, 2007, by Report and Order (FCC 07-208). Chairman Martin and Commissioner Adelstein, Commissioner Copps approving in part concurring in part, Commissioners Tate and McDowell dissenting. Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell issuing separate statements. -FCC- News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found on the Commission’s web site www.fcc.gov.