<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />October 24, 2003

The GAO report will disappoint those who hoped to see support for new cable regulations. The report draws attention to the possibility of increased costs to cable companies and consumers from requiring cable companies to offer channels “a la carte.” The biggest problem would be for the development of new channels. Everyone would want the Discovery Channel and ESPN, cable’s revenue leaders.  But it’s doubtful that enough people would buy the Weather Channel, CNN, the Food Channel, and so on to support the costs and risks of development.

Highlights of GAO study: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d048high.pdf

Full GAO study: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d048.pdf