Senate Indecency "Follow-Up" Focuses On TV; Stevens Disappointed On FCC Noms

MONDAY morning's "follow-up" Senate Commerce Committee hearing on indecency focused on television issues, with former MPAA Pres. JACK VALENTI reporting that after three meetings with industry leaders since the last hearing, the consensus was that TV ratings need to be simplified but the government should not get involved. In addition, the NCTA's KYLE MCSLARROW told the panel that the cable TV industry is planning to offer "family friendly" tiers that would ward off the need for a la carte pricing of cable services. Another hearing is scheduled for JANUARY 19.

While Chairman TED STEVENS (R-AK) said he was pleased by the cable industry's response and added "I think they deserve some time to see whether or not (tiering is) acceptable to the AMERICAN public. I believe it will be," he was less pleased that the WHITE HOUSE has not moved forward with a nomination for the remaining open seat on the FCC after he made recommendations for the position. "I think I’ll be the first chairman of Commerce that was denied the opportunity to recommend someone for appointment," STEVENS told reporters; only the nominations of DEBI TATE and (the renominated) MICHAEL COPPS will be heard at tomorrow's hearing.

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