FCC Confirms Sept. 29 STB Vote

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The Federal Communications Commission yesterday confirmed that it will hold a vote on Chairman Tom Wheeler set-top box proposal at an Open Meeting set for next Thursday at 10:30 a.m.


The vote is just one of many agenda items set for the FCC, and was listed as the fourth agenda item in an official notice regarding the meeting distributed Thursday.

First up: the consideration of a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would leverage advancements in technology to improve wireless emergency alert content, delivery and testing, while seeking comment on further measures to ensure effective alerts.

Then comes debate and discussion over a proposal that would extend to broadcast licensees the same streamlined rules and procedures that common carrier wireless licensees use to seek approval for foreign ownership, with appropriate broadcast-specific modifications.

That item also establishes a framework for a publicly traded common carrier or broadcast licensee or controlling U.S. parent to ascertain its foreign ownership levels.

Once those items are brought forth, the FCC will take a vote on the promotion of “the Availability of Diverse and Independent Sources of Video Programming.”

That would be “MB Docket No. 16-41” –  an NPRM that proposes steps the Commission can take to promote the distribution of independent and diverse programming to consumers.

Then comes “CS Docket No. 97-80,” which is the Wheeler-drafted proposal that “modernizes the Commission’s rules to allow consumers to use a device of their choosing to access multichannel video programming instead of leasing devices from their cable or satellite providers.”

Other Commission business on the agenda includes a review of an application to modify an LPTV station in Arizona, and a host of personnel actions.

The meeting may be viewed live – for a fee — via George Mason University’s Capitol Connection.  The Capitol Connection also will carry the meeting live via the Internet.