Seriously, Kevin Martin – if you want to go out with any positive spin on your legacy, you might want to try George W. Bush’s new approach.
Seems the FCC chairman once again is attacking the cable industry (his long-time nemesis) for not offering a la carte programming. He insists such service would mean lower prices for customers. What he seems to overlook, however, is the cost of supplying different channels to millions of different households.
Martin’s also pushing cable to make its sports broadcasting more widely available to competitors.
The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) is fighting back. Kyle McSlarrow, NCTA president, told Bloomberg this week that Martin has “a priority list of punishing the industry. That pattern of conduct will continue until the day he leaves office.”
Yes, cable prices are over-the-top ridiculous. Yes, operators hold too tight a grip many sports shows. But there’s no denying Martin’s tried to demonize the cable industry along the way. He won’t be remembered kindly if he continues in that vein. Plus, how will consumers ever benefit if the two factions keep going at it? No wonder telco TV and satellite are growing more popular.
