Logo

Cable News Channel Will Move to New TV ‘Neighborhood’ After FCC Rules in Dispute; Will Decision Trigger a Mass Migration?

May 3, 2012  •  Post A Comment

The Federal Communications Commission issued a ruling in a long-running dispute between two media companies that will change the channel lineup, TVNewser.com reports.

The panel ruled in favor of Bloomberg in its battle with Comcast, and as a result viewers should see Bloomberg TV move into a channel “neighborhood” that includes Fox News, CNN and CNBC in the next few weeks, the report says.

Bloomberg had argued that Comcast, as part of its deal to acquire NBC Universal, had promised to move "independent" news networks in the same "neighborhoods" as the major TV news channels.

The FCC ruled that Bloomberg TV must be placed near its financial news competitors such as CNBC, as well as general news channels, the story says.

Comcast said it "respectfully disagree(s)" with the decision and plans to file an immediate appeal.

The decision could unleash lawsuits from other independent programmers, which could argue that they also should be moved into neighborhoods with bigger networks, the story points out.

Still, the FCC’s wording may limit the number of networks seeking similar treatment, since the agency defined "news channels" as those "whose programming during the hours from 6:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. is focused on reporting and analysis relating to public affairs or local affairs of general interest or relating to business," the piece says.

Bloomberg TV should become much easier for Comcast customers to find as a result of the decision, according to the story.

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)