The FCC’s proposed release of confidential contract documents as part of its review of the AT&T/DirecTV and Comcast/Time Warner Cable deals was aggressively questioned by a three-judge panel during oral argument at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Friday. “Why does the commission need it?” asked Judge David Tatel. “The FTC and the Justice Department, which also review mergers, do not require this material.” The oral argument, which took twice as long as scheduled, was in CBS et al. v. FCC, which is being closely watched by the communications bar (see 1502190053). The courtroom was standing room only.

The FCC’s proposed release of confidential contract documents as part of its review of the AT&T/DirecTV and Comcast/Time Warner Cable deals was aggressively questioned by a three-judge panel during oral argument at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Friday. “Why does the commission need it?” asked Judge David Tatel. “The FTC and the Justice Department, which also review mergers, do not require this material.” The oral argument, which took twice as long as scheduled, was in CBS et al. v. FCC, which is being closely watched by the communications bar (see 1502190053). The courtroom was standing room only.

Oral argument Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit between content companies and the FCC over the release of confidential contract information in the FCC review of the Comcast/Time Warner Cable and AT&T/DirecTV deals isn’t expected to swing those deal proceedings’ results, said analysts and attorneys in interviews Thursday. Oral argument is of interest to investors and others following the transaction, though. There’s “some interest among investors in what the case means" for the deals, said Guggenheim Partners analyst Paul Gallant. “The case probably won’t drive the yes/no decision on the deals.”

Oral argument Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit between content companies and the FCC over the release of confidential contract information in the FCC review of the Comcast/Time Warner Cable and AT&T/DirecTV deals isn’t expected to swing those deal proceedings’ results, said analysts and attorneys in interviews Thursday. Oral argument is of interest to investors and others following the transaction, though. There’s “some interest among investors in what the case means" for the deals, said Guggenheim Partners analyst Paul Gallant. “The case probably won’t drive the yes/no decision on the deals.”

Results from the AWS-3 auction could cut both ways as the argument continues at the FCC on whether the agency should rethink rules it approved last year that effectively limit the ability of AT&T and Verizon to bid in the TV incentive auction, industry officials said in interviews. AT&T was the big bidder in the auction and Verizon also went big (see 1501300051). But Dish Network was the second largest bidder after AT&T, bidding for more than $13 billion worth of licenses through two designated entities (DEs).

NAB withdrew its appeal of the FCC’s requirement for broadcasters to upload public inspection files at the FCC. Public files include information about who bought political advertisements on behalf of which candidates and what time slots during a broadcasting ads appeared, said Dennis Wharton, NAB executive vice president-communications. Supporters of the requirement said the FCC still needs to enforce standardization of these files and create a standardized, searchable, sortable database.

Industry observers who have watched closely as the FCC moves to revised net neutrality rules and the reclassification of fixed and mobile broadband as a common-carrier service say there are unknowns that remain. The broad parameters have been known for some time, including treating wireless largely the same as wireline. With FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler set to circulate proposed rules to other commissioners Thursday, observers said there are unanswered questions, among them how exactly forbearance will look. Other big questions include how the rules will address the unique need for wireless carriers to manage their networks.

Industry observers who have watched closely as the FCC moves to revised net neutrality rules and the reclassification of fixed and mobile broadband as a common-carrier service say there are unknowns that remain. The broad parameters have been known for some time, including treating wireless largely the same as wireline. With FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler set to circulate proposed rules to other commissioners Thursday, observers said there are unanswered questions, among them how exactly forbearance will look. Other big questions include how the rules will address the unique need for wireless carriers to manage their networks.

Independent programmers face challenges, former FCC commissioners, an ex-FTC chairman and industry experts said Wednesday. Some said even with fragmentation of the TV market increasing ways for consumers to watch content, indies including beIN SPORTS and NuvoTV, which were represented at the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy event, don't always have access to traditional pay-TV distribution. Indies fretted about the impact on their industry of consolidation, but others said the market is good for consumers.

Independent programmers face challenges, former FCC commissioners, an ex-FTC chairman and industry experts said Wednesday. Some said even with fragmentation of the TV market increasing ways for consumers to watch content, indies including beIN SPORTS and NuvoTV, which were represented at the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy event, don't always have access to traditional pay-TV distribution. Indies fretted about the impact on their industry of consolidation, but others said the market is good for consumers.