CATV Regulation: A Jumble of Jurisdictions

The community antenna television (CATV) industry is rapidly becoming a major element of the communications media. Unfortunately, attempts to regulate the industry have not kept pace. Local, state and federal authorities were slow to recognize the need for CATV regulation and, when they finally entered the field, their efforts were uncoordinated and inadequate. But, recent activity in the field by city and state authorities, the Federal Communications Commission and the Congress signals the emergence of a multi-jurisdictional system of CATV regulation. The author describes this system and suggests improvements that will encourage CATV to realize its full potential