Legal Document

440 U.S. 689 99 Supreme Court Reporter 1435 59 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 692 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, Petitioner,v.MIDWEST VIDEO CORPORATION et al. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, Petitioner, versus COMMISSION NATIONAL BLACK MEDIA COALITION al., Petitioners, MIDWEST Nos. 77-1575, 77-1648 and 77-1662. Argued Jan. 10, 1979. Decided April 2, Syllabus The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) promulgated rules requiring cable television systems that have 3,500 or more subscribers carry broadcast signals to develop, at a minimum, 20-channel capacity by 1986, make available certain channels for access public, educational, local governmental, leased-access users, furnish equipment facilities purposes. Under the rules, operators are deprived of all discretion regarding who may exploit their what be transmitted over such channels. During rulemaking proceedings, FCC rejected challenge on jurisdictional grounds, maintaining would promote "the achievement long-standing communications regulatory objectives increasing outlets self-expression augmenting public's choice programs." On petition review, Appeals set aside FCC's as beyond agency's jurisdiction. court was view amounted an attempt impose common-carrier obligations operators, thus ran counter command § 3(h) Act 1934 "a person engaged in . broadcasting shall not deemed common carrier." Held : "reasonably ancillary effective performance Commission's various responsibilities regulation broadcasting," Southwestern Cable Co., 392 157, 178, 88 1994, 2005, 20 1001, hence within statutory authority. Pp. 696-709. (a) plainly operators. Midwest Video Corp., 406 649, 92 1860, 32 390, distinguished. required hold out dedicated first-come, nondiscriminatory basis; prohibited from determining influencing content programming; charges use delimited. 699-702. (b) Consistently with policy preserve editorial control programming licensee, forecloses any requirements amounting systems. provision's background manifests congressional belief intrusion worked journalistic integrity broadcasters overshadow benefits associated resulting public access. Although does explicitly limit systems, Congress' limitation ability advance expense freedom persons is one having peculiar applicability broadcasting. Its force diminished variant technology involved transmissions. 702-707. (c) In light hesitancy which Congress has approached issue area, its outright rejection broad right basis, this constrained exceeded limits authority promulgating rules. regulate carriers, just it broadcasters. Authority compel provide carriage public-originated transmissions must come specifically Congress. 708-709. 571 Reporter, 2nd 1025, affirmed. Lawrence G. Wallace, Dept. Justice, Washington, D. C., KF105 F3 C. George Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Shapiro, corp. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 May 1976, third parties, Report Order Docket Number 20508, F.C.C.2d 294 (1976 ). here whether these 1001 (1968), 2 * regulations now under review had genesis prescribed 1972 top 100 markets design include least dedicate 4 those leased were reassessed course further proceedings. As result, modified compliance deadline, 20363, 54 207 (1975), effected substantive changes, extended subscribers, 1976 Order, supra. reaffirmed there definite societal good" preserving channels, though acknowledged "overall impact can been exaggerated past." F.C.C.2d, 296. 3 ultimately adopted, prescribe series interrelated ensuring designated size manner afforded levied providing it. possess minimum well technical capability accomplishing two-way, nonvoice communication.1 47 Code Regulations 76.252 (1977). Moreover, extent activated channel capacity,2 allocate four separate assigned each. 76.254(a). Absent demand full-time each channel, combined accommodated fewer than but one. §§ 76.254(b), (c).3 When particular exceeds specified limit, system another same purpose, system's capacity. 76.254(d). also require utilizing public-access 76.256(a). System enjoined exercising except they adopt proscribing transmission most lottery information commercial matter.4 76.256 (b),S instruct 76.256(d)(1), (3). 5 Finally, circumscribe charge privileges equipment. No assessed channel. 76.256(c)(2). Operators educational governmental first five years services users. 76.256(c)(1). Leased-access-channel users charged "appropriate" fee. 76.256(d)(3). admonish equipment, personnel, production exacted "shall reasonable consistent goal affording low-cost means access." 76.256(c)(3). And "[n]o made live programs exceeding minutes length." Ibid. Lastly, utilization playback personnel operate when cable's deployed tapes film played without alteration Petition Reconsideration 62 399, 407 (1976). 6 challenged grounds comments ground might properly pursue supervision Specifically, maintained 298. did find persuasive contention effect carrier our impose." Id., 299. explanation was: 7 "So long adopted reasonably related achieving jurisdiction we do think held merely denominating them somehow 'common carrier' nature. proper question, believe, fall category akin imposed carriers interest—but objectives." 8 Additionally, denied violated First Amendment, reasoning activity Amendment values served measures facilitating exchange ideas. 9 Eighth Circuit access, capacity, 1025 (1978). broadcasting, condition established past decisions said, themselves treated carriers. See 1934, 3(h), KF62 153(h). Furthermore, plain presented grave problems. We granted certiorari, 439 816, 77, 58 107 (1978), affirm.5 II Atlantic 10 derives 48 Statutes-at-Large 1064, amended, 151 seq. preceded advent understandably expressly medium. But clear meant confer "broad authority" Commission, H.R.Rep.No.1850, 73d Cong., Sess., (1934), so "to maintain, through appropriate administrative control, grip dynamic aspects radio transmission." Pottsville Broadcasting 309 134, 138, 60 437, 439, 84 L.Ed. 451 (1940). To end, subjected "all interstate foreign communication wire radio." 2(a), 152(a). construed 2(a) conferring circumscribed range power television, determination 390 (1972). question before us Act, two cases, authorizes challenge. 11 litigation arose efforts ameliorate competitive operations importation distant into service areas stations. Fearing "destroy seriously degrade offered broadcaster," 38 F.C.C. 683, 700 (1965), CATV systems6 stations whose area brought competing signals, avoid duplication station day broadcast, refrain bringing new largest unless demonstrating comport interest. Second 725 (1966).7 12 assertion based successful performance" duty ensure orderly development broadcasting" depended upon operations. U.S., 177, S.Ct., 2005. Against undertaking issue, granting broadcasting." 13 Soon after decision Southwestern, resolved requirement significant outlet originating." Notice Proposed Rulemaking Inquiry, 15 417, 422 (1968). It stated "concern [was] matter avoidance adverse effects, extend[ed] affirmatively policies." Accordingly, rule signal operates originating own programs—or cablecasting—and maintains presentation other automated services. 74.1111(a) (1970). This Court, vote sustained 14 Four Justices, Brennan, delimited They thought reasonably-ancillary standard announced permitted "with protect 667, 1870. determined, Brennan's declared, origination " 'further long-established goals field number community types ' 667-668, 1870, quoting 201, 202 (1969). conclusion "program-origination recognized Southwestern." 670, 1872. Chief concurring admonished "strain[ed] outer limits" 676, 1875. Though "fully persuaded ha[d] correct [the] case," he inclined defer judgment. Ibid.8 B 16 Because maximization expression diversification programming—the promoted —the promulgate them. Respondents, opposition, qualitatively different upheld Video. urged allocation categories depriving operator select individual wrest considerable degree kind service. Respondents contend, therefore, only heretofore approved courts contravene limitations designed safeguard broadcasters, particularly 17 agree respondents recognition agency extension Court's prior decisions. Our holding purpose pursued broadcasting; plurality's analysis stressed requirement's nexus goals. abrogate operators' composition programming, compelled assume positive role regard, comparable fulfilled become enmeshed and, engage functional equivalent sought "only [they] satisfactorily [met] needs context undertaking." 1872 (Brennan, J.). 18 With however, transferred members wish communicate Effectively, relegated pro tanto, status.9 A context10 "makes offering [communications facilities] whereby choose employ transmit intelligence choosing ." Industrial Radiolocation Service, 16106, 197, (1966); see National Association Regulatory Utility Comm'rs FCC, 173 U.S.App.D.C. 413, 424, 525 630, 641, cert. denied, 425 992, 96 2203, 816 (1976); Multipoint Distribution 45 616, 618 (1974). "make individualized decisions, terms deal." supara, F.2d, 641. 19 operators.11 basis. 76.254(a), 76.256(d) (1977).12 programming. 76.256(b). delimit 76.256(c). Indeed, early consideration obligations—whereby "CATV [would] studio assistance [but] no program applicable law"—the result operation "as some channels." 18397, 207; id., 202; Television 36 143, 197 directly deny carriage, conceded "can viewed limited form carriage-type obligation." Brief Petitioner Page 39. continues insist characterization obligation immaterial them; assured, view, objectives. Congress, regard character irrelevant permissibly itself. directed treat considered genealogy meaning provision Columbia System, Incorporated Democratic Committee, 412 94, 93 2080, 772 (1973). case licensee's general selling advertising time individuals groups wishing speak issues important Amendment. examination legislative history Radio 1927 precursor 1934—prompted conclude "in discussion chose leave licensee." 105, 2088. fact, "Congress dealt with—and firmly rejected—the argument should open nonselective basis talk about issues." took note bill reported Senate Committee Interstate Commerce part licensee permits 'a used affecting discrimination station, respect said matters commerce: Provided, censor material broadcast.' 106, 2088, 67 Cong.Rec. 12503 (1926). That amended eliminate because perceived lack wisdom 'put[ting] broadcaster hampering being problems administering 2088; 12502, 12504 21 observed that, enacting still proposal "that turn microphones 107-108, 2089.13 "Instead," noted, prolonged provides not, insofar engaged, carrier.' 108-109, 2089. 22 "Congress' flat refusal issues," 110, 2090, provisions evincing desire private journalism." 109, 2090. Notable among 326 enjoins 'the censorship station,' commands 'no fixed interfere free speech communication.' 326. 23 accord itself accept paid advertisements. decide mandating claimed nevertheless permit extend similar here. speculated flexibility 122, 2096, "[c]onceivably future date Commission—or broadcasters—may devise both practicable desirable," 131, 2100. insufficient support position present case. language unequivocal; stipulates it, consistently systems.14 difficult deny, then, forcing develop "nondiscriminatory controlling precisely intended Act." 140 n. 9, 2105, (Stewart, J., concurring); 152, 2111 (Douglas, judgment).15 24 Of course, reference governing unbounded. Corp.,, 661, 1867 (opinion wide latitude wire, delegated unrestrained regarded effort found necessary responsibilities.16 imperative prevent interference work area. endeavored regulation. Petitioners pertinent bear do. argue relationship discussed overlook fact restricted 25 share amount will include. itself, observed, "both connection function, provide." 20829, (1978).17 26 determining, [its] unable ignore stern disapproval—evidenced 3(h)—of negation otherwise enjoyed alike. guidance led defer—albeit cautiously—to judgment scope authority, strong indications sharply 27 exercise Video, 1874 (Burger, result). rules.18 Congress.19 28 Affirmed. 29 STEVENS, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 30 1969, originate programs. "mandatory origination" rule. Thereafter, decided less onerous accomplish "increasing services."1 invalidates today.2 31 my mandatory requires like burdensome contrary reading denying & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions am misread statute. Section provides: 'Common 'carrier' hire, energy, where subject chapter; 33 definitional section Act. purport grant makes every carrier, therefore Title simply nothing words statute suggests places powers lawfully termed "common obligation."3 34 understanding supports 3(h). interpreting "we [have been] guided 'venerable principle construction execution followed compelling wrong.' 121, 772, Red Lion company 395 367, 381, 89 1794, 1801, 371. clear: never interpreted provision, 35 1966 gave rise obligation. carry, request specific order priority, viewing bring signals.4 1969 according reflected multi-purpose combining services, best advantage basic created."5 adopting here, rationale accepts today: regulation—whether 294, 299 37 judgment, approach. supra, relied almost exclusively majority, contrary. case, reviewed including bearing presented. emphasized, majority again attempts mandated variety forms 2096. went conclude: "That say proposals taken mean opposed rights circumstances. Rather, point chosen questions given experiment ideas changing conditions require." (emphasis added).6 exercised "flexibility experiment" replace views reason doubt replace, services." uphold Since seen fit modify reverse remand instructions constitutional issue. Systems March 31, 1972, 1977, until June 21, comply two-way requirements. 76.252(b) Activated consists usable actually subscriber's home could making modifications facilities. 315. great constructed major 1962 12-channel Often, additional installing converters subscribers' sets, albeit substantial cost. Rule Making, 53 782, 785 (1975). use, already programmed excluded. Similarly, utilized subtracted. remaining provided subscriber carrying nonbroadcast originated operator—for assessment made. 315-316. indicated "not consider acting good faith displace existing uses his efforts." 316. pay entertainment "provided displaced. Should example complete evidence bad complying if decides programming." 317. sufficient full purposes meet whatever portions 76.254(c) initiated date, desirous adding nonmandatory supply even install so. 314-315. prohibiting obscene indecent District stayed aspect filed American Civil Liberties Union 76-1695 (Aug. 26, 1977). below, moreover, disapproved instituted requirement, controversy (ACLU), petitioner 77-1648, modification favorable finally embraced. ACLU requests cases event Circuit. affirm necessarily decline ACLU's invitation remand. CATV, "community antenna television," refers receive amplify them, microwave, distribute subscribers. 161, 1996, "Because broader functions future," "more inclusive term systems" 144 validity issued Southwestern. 167, 1999. dicta (1972), plurality noted applied appeals sustain 659 17, 1866. repealed December 1974. explained: "Quality, effective, demands creativity These factors cannot law contract. net attempting expenditure large amounts money was, many instances, neither wanted nor beneficial total operation. showed interest began regardless legal suspension rule, business For example, felt attract retain This, think, be." 19988, 49 1090, 1105-1106. portion only. 174 374, 533 601, 608 (1976) Wilkey, J.) ("Since clearly possible entity activities, logical activities others"); defines carrier" "any energy Due circularity definition, resort pronouncements ascertain term's meaning. 423, 640, Frontier Collier, 251, 254 (1958); H.R.Conf.Rep.No.1918, 46 (1934). held, "are 169 29, 2001; 316 ("We expect administer come, non-discriminatory basis"). provided: "[I]f opposition candidate office, voted election, afford equal opportunity opposing reply candidate, opposite questions." Hearings S.2910 Commerce, excised House-Senate Conference. Whether intrusive jurisdiction, survive power, presently Certainly, put fairness-doctrine 371 fairness doctrine carriage; contemplates discretion. Editorializing Broadcast Licensees, 1246, 1251 (1949) (in meeting "licensee instance called sense subjects considered, format devoted subject, shades presented, spokesmen view"). dissent place "limits obligation.' Post, 710-711. "every 710. anxious II, commands, inter alia, regulated entities "furnish therefor." 201(a). embodies broadcaster's independence of, furnishing media access: pointedly refrained divesting selection voices; stands firm statement licensees obliged tendered public. [The] provisio[n] manifest[s] intention maintain measure at, 116, 2093. reaffirm 3(h): wording preclude act demonstrate following text, constraint applies contends are, part, analogous required, transmit, request, imported signals. 14895, 716-719 (1965). indifferently function 701. remedying evil balance considerations addressed suggest, conclude, magnitude reject significantly compromise At instances restrict expansion nn. 3, occasioning displacement alternative indiscriminately determinations argued unit, discrete entailing unique considerations. concedes integrally related, 32, acknowledges complement 35; 313, 322. very unclear thereof isolation. lower court's amalgam intimating element appropriately revitalized context. below suggested violate rests express save acknowledge frivolous asserted determine influence intimated, additionally, unconstitutional "taking" property or, exposing criminal prosecution offensive cablecasting affront Process Clause Fifth forgo comment well. quotation report accompanying promulgation (1969) (1969 identifies purpose. 298 (App. 103). By limited-access channel-capacity 18397,, 143 (1972); 523 1344 (CA9 1975). 1974, largely equally furthering 1099-1100, 1104-1106 stated: "Section 3: Contains definitions. Most international conventions." S.Rep.No.781, House slightly detailed; "Since hire press associations organizations collecting distributing news refuse capable furnishing, varying arrangements, establishing rendered, Conference "noted definition ordinary term." seems me, read regard. Such carrier[s] And, relevant technically all; distinct process "cablecasting." See, 223. (1966). pass 1866, "[t]heir subsequently correctly guidelines decision. e. g., Black Hills Corporation 399 65 (CA8 1968)." 202. 654 8, 1863 (plurality opinion): "Although report, help others channels.' 209. Public introduced although heading [Report Service] 3277." While claim political advertisements unconstitutional, desirable" example.

Classification Label: 7