Chapter 4 - The Rationale of Cable and Satellite (DSS) Television Regulation

Abstract

The history of the relationship between traditional over-the-air broadcasters and cable television is important in gaining an understanding of the regulatory framework in place today. It is sometimes difficult for those who grew up in the multichannel universe to understand the distinction between broadcast and cable television. Although most Americans receive the programming from both into their homes via the same wire (or satellite downlink), legally the two are treated quite differently. In this chapter we will explore the rationale for those differences.