Video Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998
Latest action (29 Jul 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4352, the Video Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998, was introduced in the House on July 29, 1998, by Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA), with Rep. Edward Markey as a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on Commerce. It would amend the Communications Act of 1934 in several ways affecting cable and other multichannel video providers. It would change the rules for regulating cable "upper tier" programming rates, allowing local franchising authorities to certify—after public hearings—that a cable operator is not offering an acceptable range of programming choices, which would keep rate regulation in place; the FCC could review and overturn such certifications. It would also broaden existing "program access" nondiscrimination and anti-exclusivity rules, currently limited to satellite programming, to cover all multichannel video programming and distributors, including common carriers, and would restrict new exclusive distribution contracts. Additionally, it would require cable operators to offer a separately priced "lifeline" tier containing only must-carry broadcast, public/educational/government access, and local broadcast signals, with rates subject to FCC regulation.
The bill would primarily affect cable operators, satellite and other multichannel video distributors, programming vendors, local franchising authorities, the FCC, and cable subscribers, by altering rate regulation, competition rules, and available service tiers.
The bill was introduced in the 105th Congress and referred to committee; it did not receive a vote and did not advance further before that Congress ended.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Video Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate cable television service rates inapplicable to services provided after March 31, 1999, by a cable system unless the franchising authority for such system, after notice and opportunity for a public hearing, certifies to the FCC that the cable operator of such system is not providing subscribers an acceptable range of programming choices to the extent technically feasible and economically reasonable. Outlines factors to be considered for such certification. Authorizes FCC review of such certifications. Makes such certifications effective for one year, unless earlier withdrawn or rescinded. Replaces references to "satellite cable programming" and "satellite broadcast programming" with "multichannel video programming (MVP)." Repeals a deadline for FCC regulations concerning the development of competition and diversity in MVP distribution. Outlines minimum requirements for such regulations, including prohibited actions by an MVP vendor with respect to the sale or delivery of such programming among cable systems, cable operators, and other MVP distributors. Prohibits entering into contracts to grant exclusive distribution rights to any person with respect to MVP after the date of enactment of this Act, except for certain exclusivity contracts granted by the FCC in the public interest. Prohibits any such contract (other than the public interest contract) already entered into before such date of enactment to continue after 120 days after such date. Defines MVP as video programming which is transmitted by any means and which is primarily intended for the direct receipt by MVP distributors for retransmission to their subscribers. Requires the revision of MVP regulations as necessitated by this Act within 120 days after enactment. Requires each cable operator of a cable system to make available for sale to its subscribers a separately packaged lifeline service tier consisting exclusively of: (1) FCC-required local commercial television and noncommercial educational television programming; (2) any public, educational, and governmental access programming required by the cable system franchise; and (3) any signal of a local television broadcast station provided by the cable operator to any subscriber (with an exception). Prohibits a cable operator from adding additional video programming signals or services to the lifeline tier. Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations for lifeline tier rates.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4352 do?
- H.R. 4352, the Video Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 1998, was introduced in the House on July 29, 1998, by Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA), with Rep. Edward Markey as a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on Commerce. It would amend the Communications Act of 1934 in several ways affecting cable and other multichannel video providers. It would change the rules for regulating cable "upper tier" programming rates, allowing local franchising authorities to certify—after public hearings—that a cable operator is not offering an acceptable range of programming choices, which would keep rate regulation in place; the FCC could review and overturn such certifications. It would also broaden existing "program access" nondiscrimination and anti-exclusivity rules, currently limited to satellite programming, to cover all multichannel video programming and distributors, including common carriers, and would restrict new exclusive distribution contracts. Additionally, it would require cable operators to offer a separately priced "lifeline" tier containing only must-carry broadcast, public/educational/government access, and local broadcast signals, with rates subject to FCC regulation. The bill would primarily affect cable operators, satellite and other multichannel video distributors, programming vendors, local franchising authorities, the FCC, and cable subscribers, by altering rate regulation, competition rules, and available service tiers. The bill was introduced in the 105th Congress and referred to committee; it did not receive a vote and did not advance further before that Congress ended.
- Has H.R. 4352 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Jul 1998, H.R. 4352 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4352?
- H.R. 4352 was sponsored by Rep. William “Billy” Tauzin [R-LA3, 1979-2004] (Republican-LA), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4352?
- Introduced (29 Jul 1998).
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