Cable industry to offer blocking

The cable television industry said Tuesday that it will provide free equipment to allow subscribers to block unwanted channels, a reaction to efforts on Capitol Hill to curb indecent programming.

The offer is directed to about half the nation’s 70.5 million cable subscribers who don’t have cable boxes that can be programmed to block certain channels or programs. The companies agreeing to the plan include the 10 largest in the country.

Robert Sates, president of the National Cable Television Assn., announced the plan at a gathering of cable industry executives in Washington. It comes at a time when both lawmakers and regulators, attempting to crack down on indecent programming, have discussed requiring cable companies to let subscribers buy individual channels or a family-friendly tier rather than have to purchase packages that include both the Disney Channel and MTV. The cable industry opposes the idea.

“No one wants policymakers to have to choose between protecting children or preserving the 1st Amendment,” Sates told an industry audience. “So if we, as an industry, actively promote the choices and controls available to consumers, there will be no need for anyone to do so.”

From Associated Press