Federal Communications Commission FCC 18-47
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
Re: Channel Lineup Requirements – Sections 76.1705 and 76.1700(a)(4), MB Docket No. 18-92; 
Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, MB Docket No. 17-105
I have stated more than once how skeptical I am of many of the majority’s current attempts to 
“modernize media regulation,” by systematically rolling back rules and requirements impacting 
broadcasters.  And while I still worry that the cumulative effects leave consumers worse off, as I have 
also said, so long as the public interest is served, I will support the examination of certain rules to 
determine whether they remain useful or necessary.
Today’s item proposes to remove a requirement that cable systems retain a copy of their channel 
lineup in their local offices.  If this rule change is adopted, cable providers will still be required to 
maintain channel lineup information that can be shared with subscribers “at the time of installation, at 
least annually, and at any time upon request.”  I do not object to seeking comment and, if the record 
shows that the current requirement is redundant or unnecessary, then we should act accordingly. 
  
I am wary, however, about questions on whether cable channel lineup information should also be 
removed from the online public inspection files of these cable systems.  Migrating public files of 
broadcasters and cable systems online stands out to me as a success story—demonstrating the 
Commission’s ability to leverage the internet and technology to improve transparency.  In fact, this item 
justifies removing channel lineups from local offices, in part, by pointing out that consumers can access 
this information using the online public inspection files hosted on the Commission’s website.  Consumers 
should have access to more information, not less, and collecting information about entities we regulate 
then sharing it with the public is a core function of the agency.  I would have concerns with efforts to 
diminish the value of our online public inspection file database for consumers, and will review the record 
on this point with interest.    
That said, I vote to approve this NPRM, which allows the Commission to seek comment on the 
proposals and questions that it presents.  I thank the Media Bureau for its work on this item.