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Television's Second Chance: A Retrospective Look at the Sloan Cable Commission


Volume: Volume 4, No. 1

Issue: Spring 1973

Pages: pp. 343-365

Authors: Harvey J. Levin

Title: Television's Second Chance: A Retrospective Look at the Sloan Cable Commission

Abstract: This article examines the impact of an independent, nongovernmental commission's study on the regulatory policy governing cable television. In 1971, the Sloan Commission on Cable Communications released a final report -- the Sloan Report -- after privately assessing cable television's growth potential, cable's means to cross subsidize public channels, and cable's organization in terms of cross ownership and common carrier status. In addition to the brief Report, the Commission produced background papers and internal memoranda, which underscore the study's value in clarifying issues and in helping to structure the field for the future in the face of "regulatory hangover."


JEL Classification

Regulation of Public Utilities (6130)
Industry Studies Electrical, Gas, Communication, and Information Services (6352)
Industry Studies Services Entertainment, Recreation, Tourism (6358)