Cable Television Antitrafficking, Network Television, and MMDS/ SMATV Cross Ownership

The Commission has denied a petition for reconsideration concerning its rules on television broadcast station network and cable television system cross ownership. On March 15, 1996, the Commission deleted the broadcast network/cable television ownership rule in order to conform the rules with statutory changes. In response to this decision, a petition for reconsideration was filed contending that the Commission was obligated to provide notice and an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking proceeding. In responding to this reconsideration petition, the Commission determined that because the rule changes merely conformed the rules to the statute, notice requirements did not apply.