Are cable TV firms required to include public television channels in their least costly service?

[Boojatta]

Should cable TV firms be required to do so?

[ewagner]

1. I think it varies

state-to-state.

In Wisconsin they are required to carry it on their lowest "basic" tier. What Charter has done is put so much more digital on that same band width that the quality of the picture is akin to an old TV antenna.

[jtrockville]

3. It's a federal law, can't vary by state:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cablechannels.pdf

...

Cable companies generally are required to offer a basic service tier. The company generally requires all subscribers to purchase this tier before purchasing additional video programming. The basic service tier is required to include, at a minimum, the local broadcast television stations and the public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access channels that the operator may be required to offer pursuant to an agreement with the local government. After complying with these minimum requirements, the cable operator may offer additional programming as part of the basic service tier.

...

[drm604]

2. I think so.

I think cable companies are required to include anything that is available over the air.

[pstokely]

4. I think they're required to include them with the cheapest available package

but you still might need a box or a new TV if they system has gotten rid of the analog channels