The FCC recently released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to begin review of its program access rules.  Comments are due June 22, 2012, with reply comments due July 23, 2012.  

The FCC seeks to determine whether the existing prohibition on exclusive distribution agreements between cable operators and cable-owned, satellite-delivered programming networks remains necessary to protect competition and diversity in programming.  Originally scheduled to sunset in 2002, the FCC has twice extended the prohibition for additional 5-year terms.  Unless extended again, the prohibition will expire on October 5, 2012.  The FCC also seeks comment on whether and how to address potentially discriminatory volume discounts and uniform price increases. 

If you have any questions regarding the program access rules or the process for submitting comments, please contact Barbara Esbin at (202) 872-6811 or besbin@cm-chi.com or Scott Friedman at (312) 372-3930 or sfriedman@cm-chi.com.