• The New York Times, Monday, November 12, 2007 10:45 AM

The Federal Communications Commission is about to issue some new rules that could open the cable television market to independent programmers and rival video services. According to federal officials,the FCC has decided that cable companies have become too dominant. And giving the commission expanded powers over cable, is expected to be announced later this month. If so, it would be a big change for the industry, deregulated by Congress in 1996.

The finding could lead to more diverse programming and consumer groups hope it might also mean lower rates. "The finding will provide the commission with additional authority to assure that there is opportunity for additional voices," says FCC chair Kevin Martin. "It is important that we continue to do all we can to make sure that consumers have more opportunities in terms of their programming and that people who have access to the platform assure there are diverse voices."

Other new cable television rules and proposals include a cap to prevent Comcast from getting bigger and keep other large cable companies from making significant new acquisitions.

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