• conciselyverbose@sh.itjust.works
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    11 months ago

    Cable lobby group NCTA-The Internet & Television Association claimed that the commission’s “micromanagement of advertising in today’s hyper-competitive marketplace will force operators to either clutter their ads with confusing disclosures or leave pricing information out entirely.”

    Or, you know, you could just tell the truth.

  • AMillionMonkeys@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Quick! Someone tell us why this isn’t a good thing because the government did it! Surely there’s some secret corruption at work!

  • wrekone@lemmyf.uk
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    11 months ago

    …micromanagement of advertising in today’s hyper-competitive marketplace…

    WTF are they on about? Cable TV is the least competitive market out there. I’ve never lived anywhere with more than two options.

  • TORFdot0@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    In case you were wondering the Republicans on the FCC both dissent claiming that the FCC has no jurisdiction to ban lying because people being marketed too aren’t cable subscribers yet and therefore outside of the FCC’s purview. What a load of horse-hockey. Their next argument will be that the FCC has no right to regulate cable at all because the consumer hasn’t been screwed until they give the cable company their money at which point it’s too late.

    As much of a free-market-enjoyer that I am, this is what you get when you vote Republican (or stay home).

  • Darkassassin07@lemmy.ca
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    11 months ago

    My family hasn’t been subscribed a satellite/cable tv service in almost 16 years… 8 if you include streaming services.

    Their shitty services, comercials, deceptive pricing, arbitrary limitations, and lack of content drove me away long ago. 🏴‍☠️

  • Lutra@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Media Contact: Office of Media Relations MediaRelations@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC VOTES TO REQUIRE CABLE AND SATELLITE TV PRICING TRANSPARENCY New ‘All-In’ Pricing Rules Will Address Consumers’ Confusion on Hidden Fees in Cable and Satellite TV Billing

    WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules requiring cable and satellite TV providers to specify the “all-in” price clearly and prominently for video programming service in their promotional materials and on subscribers’ bills. The FCC aims to eliminate the misleading practice of describing video programming costs as a tax, fee, or surcharge. This updated “all-in” pricing format allows consumers to make informed choices, including the ability to comparison shop among competitors and to compare programming costs against alternative programming providers, including streaming services. TV providers often use deceptive junk fees to hide the real price of their services. The FCC is putting an end to this form of price masking, increasing competition, and reducing confusion among consumers. These new rules require cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to state the total cost of video programming service clearly and prominently, including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming, and other programming-related fees, as a prominent single line item on subscribers’ bills and in promotional materials. The record demonstrates that charges and fees for video programming provided by cable and DBS providers are often obscured in misleading promotional materials and bills, which causes significant and costly confusion for consumers. These new rules continue a series of consumer-focused proposals to combat junk fees and support transparency for consumers. In addition to this “all-in” pricing, the Commission is preparing to upcoming launch of the mandatory Broadband Consumer Labels and has proposed to eliminate early termination fees from cable and satellite TV providers. Action by the Commission March 14, 2024 by Report and Order (FCC 24-29). Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Starks and Gomez approving. Commissioners Carr and Simington dissenting. Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington issuing separate statements. MB Docket No. 23-203