Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to FCC rulemaking on cable TV franchise awards

Court refuses to hear challenge to FCC rule

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won’t stop the Federal Communications Commission from setting rules making it easier for new cable TV competitors to gain local franchises.

The high court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from local governments saying the FCC had overstepped its authority.

To offer cable television service, a company must negotiate with local governments. But some companies claim that local officials make unreasonable demands.

The FCC says its new rules would speed the approval process, cap fees paid to local governments and ease requirements that competitors build systems that reach every home. But the local governments say the agency rules would severely restrict their ability to protect rights of way, community channels and public safety networks.

The case is Alliance for Community Media v. FCC, 08-1027.