State coordination of cable communications policy: An idea whose time has come — again

Abstract

In light of recent concerns about the adequacy of cable television regulation under the Cable Communications Policy Act, this article explores the legal and policy considerations associated with regulating cable at the state governmental level. In doing so, the author traces the history of state cable regulation, analyzes the potential advantages of state regulation, examines the viability of such state regulatory structures under the Cable Act, and provides examples of cable regulatory components that could be addressed through state processes.