Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC ELIMINATES OUTDATED CHANNEL LINEUP REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO CABLE OPERATORS
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WASHINGTON, April 12, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today eliminated two unnecessary rules pertaining to cable operators’ channel lineups.  Specifically, it eliminated a rule which requires cable operators to maintain at their local office a current listing of the cable television channels that each cable system delivers to its subscribers.  Secondly, it eliminated the requirement that certain cable operators make their channel lineup available through their Commission-hosted online public inspection file.

The Commission concluded that these requirements are unnecessary as channel lineups are readily available to consumers today through a variety of other means, including the websites of individual cable operators, third-party websites, on-screen electronic program guides, and paper guides.  The Commission also noted that its rules separately require cable operators to send channel lineup information to cable subscribers at least once a year and make that information available upon request at any time.    

Today’s action furthers the Commission’s ongoing effort to modernize its media rules by eliminating or modifying regulations that are outdated, unnecessary, or unduly burdensome.

Action by the Commission April 12, 2019 by Report and Order (FCC 19-33).  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, and Rosenworcel approving.  Commissioner Starks approving in part and dissenting in part.  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Rosenworcel, and Starks issuing separate statements.

MB Docket Nos. 18-92 and 17-105.

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

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. Cir. 1974).