STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN
Re: Leased Commercial Access; Development of Competition and Diversity in Video 
Programming Distribution and Carriage, MB Docket No. 07-42
The item we adopt today significantly reforms the Commission’s leased access rules.  I 
believe it is important for the Commission to foster the development of independent 
channels, including those owned by minorities and women.  By adopting an expedited 
complaint process and a more rationale method for determining leased access rates, we 
take steps to make it easier for independent programmers to reach local audiences.
Section 612 of the Communications Act requires the Commission to promote 
“competition in the delivery of diverse sources of video programming.”  Unfortunately, 
however, our existing leased access rules were simply not achieving their intended 
purpose.  For example, the Commission’s most recent cable price survey found that cable 
systems on average carry only .7 leased access channels.   The record suggests that the 
leased access regime has been extremely underutilized because of artificially high rates.  
Our order, therefore, is designed to increase the use of leased access channels and thereby 
enhance the diversity of programming.  
I believe that the actions we take today will go a long way to accomplishing the twin 
goals of competition and diversity articulated in section 612 of the Act.  I look forward to 
continuing to work with my colleagues to adopt other policies that are designed to ensure 
that independent voices are heard.