A la Carte Out of SHVIA Picture

[Chris Blount]

It appears a la carte language won't be part of the reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA).

A spokesperson with Rep. Nathan Deal's office said the Georgia Republican agreed not to offer his a la carte amendment as part of the SHVIA work being done by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. SHVIA legislation is expected to go before the committee soon, although no hearing has been scheduled. Last week, a committee hearing on SHVIA was postponed.

While a la carte won't be part of SHVIA proceedings, Deal's spokesperson said hearings on program choice and other closely-tied issues would be scheduled in the future, a guarantee made by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee) and Fred Upton (R-Mich., chair of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee).

http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)

[RichW]

I think that it is wise to have SHVIA focus on delivery of broadcast (OTA) station via satellite and not burden any such legislation with peripheral issues such as ala carte.

I do believe, however, that the gubbamint should look into the practice offorcing carriers to subscriber to an "all or nothing" contract to pay for channels folks do not want. After all, this is essentially what got the DOJ to sue Microsoft and what got IBM in trouble many years ago.

[Geronimo]

SHVIRA is also satellite specific. IF a la carte is mandated in some way i would think that cable would be coverd as well.

[FTA Michael]

TV Technology reports today that some Congresscritters are still pushing for an FCC investigation into a la carte. http://www.tvtechnology.com/dailynews/one.php?id=2013

In that article, the NCTA cable folks quote the General Accounting Office report suggesting that a la carte would lead to higher prices.

Then there's the Consumer Reports editorial http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv4.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=429561&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=3327&bmUID=1085162201668 that quotes the GAO report "that households receiving more than 70 channels watch, on average, only 17 of them." Those folks argue, "Paying only for the channels you watch could save you money," but the real solution is increased competition.

I still don't think anyone can predict all the ramifications of a la carte, particularly since we have no idea what system would be adopted. But some of the speculations are amusing. :)

[Geronimo]

Right. But not as part of SHVIRA. IT would be separate and deal with cable.