OTT Reclassification Could Be Rolled Into Video Proceedings in 2016, Wheeler Says

A rulemaking on classifying over-the-top video distributors as multichannel video programming distributors could be “rolled into” other video proceedings expected to take place in 2016, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said during a news conference after the commissioners' meeting Thursday. The FCC “hit pause” on the OTT-MVPD proceeding after receiving information in response to its NPRM, he said. The OTT-MVPD rules could become part of a proceeding on content and “local rights,” he said. The FCC doesn’t want to obstruct innovation in video, he said. We had first reported that the proceeding was at a standstill (see 1510230025).