I see that Comcast announced Thursday that they are now offering MSG and MSG Plus in HD in their systems in Northern New Jersey. See here: http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast102408.htm Both channels are owned by Cablevision. I must say that I find that to be very interesting as Cablevision has so far refused to offer those HD channels to FiOS systems in Northern New Jersey and New York. Hmmmm, I wonder why? Could it be that Comcast does not directly compete with Cablevision as both cable companies do not have footprints in the same areas whereas FiOS and Cablevision are direct competitors? Could it be that both cable companies see FiOS as a threat to them BOTH as FiOS competes directly with both and they are working together in an effort to hold down FiOS' gains in their respective markets to their mutual advantage? No, that couldn't be could it? Quite frankly, it is time for the FCC and/or Congress to come in and put and end to this practice. All content provides should have to offer their programming to all content outlets. That means that MSG HD should be offered to any provider who wants to carry it. Cablevision should not be able to hold on to it and restrict its distribution for their own competitive advantage. Even worse, is the spectre of cable companies that do not compete directly sharing their own exclusive content with each other to disadvantage their DBS and teleco competition. That would include Comcast and Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia which is still being kept off DBS systems. The old terrestrial loophole should be closed and closed NOW. MSG HD should be on FiOS. Comcast Sportsnet should be on Directv and Dish. For that matter, MSNBC should no longer be kept off cable companies and other providers in the New York area where Cablevision currently has subscribers. Why NBC ever even considered that arrangement is beyond me. Oh I am sure that there will be those of you out there that will insist that the government shouldn't get involved in this. That we should let the marketplace decide these things and that more regulation is a bad thing. Well, we see how those arguments have done in the financial meltdown. While I will agree that this issue shouldn't be issue number 1 before Congress, it will really take no time at all to amend the law to eliminate the terrestrial loophole that Comcast has been relying on to withhold CSN from Directv and Dish. It could simply pass a law to give the FCC authority to handle the issue. The FCC currently has the authority to act now to force Cablevision to offer MSG HD to FiOS now. They did after all, flex their muscles to get MSG on FiOS in SD. I think we can all agree that competition is a good thing. Allowing content providers that own their own distribution channels to withhold that content from other providers reduces competition and only results to increasingly higher and higher cable and DBS bills for all consumers. While there is no real way for the government to force the reduction of those bills, the government can take steps that will at least slow down the rate of those increases. Increasing competition and leveling the playing field is one way to do that. It is time for the FCC to step up to the plate and take the necessary action to get MSG HD on FiOS systems and CSN Philadelphia on Directv and Dish. There is no time like the present Mr. Martin.
Friday, October 24, 2008
