Senate to examine broadcast-cable programming contracts

The companies ultimately cut last-minute deals, but cable operators want action from Congress.

Mediacom CEO Rocco Commisso wrote a letter to Kerry, asserting the program contract system is “broken.”

In a meeting with Genachoswki last week, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts indicated the growing problem over the programming contracts and said the FCC should “examine whether different approaches are needed,” according to an ex-parte filed with the FCC.

By law, TV stations can negotiate with cable operators to carry its broadcast programming. Broadcasters can choose not to give programming to cable operators. Likewise, cable operators can choose not to carry the broadcast content.

Like all negotiations, disputes over the price of the programming and the amount cable operators are willing to pay for it often hold things up.

Genachowski said broadcasters and cable companies share the responsibility of getting programming to consumers.