FCC Set-top Proposal Will Help Minority New Entrants, BET Founder Responds to Liggins

The “universal set-top box” will open up “unfettered opportunity for hundreds of minority programming aspirants” as opposed to set-tops leased from multichannel video programming distributors, said BET founder and current RLJ Entertainment Chairman Robert Johnson in an emailed statement Wednesday. TV One CEO Alfred Liggins during a press call Tuesday singled out Johnson (see 1602160072) as a supporter of the FCC's upcoming NPRM on set-tops. Liggins' view of the NPRM is incorrect, Johnson said. “There is nothing in the FCC's proposed rulemaking that would allow technology companies to infringe on TV One’s advertising revenue and relationships.” The FCC “should not protect minority incumbents, but should encourage new minority entrants,” he said. "Most minority programmers I know, unlike TV One, are not asking the FCC to protect them from competition but are simply seeking an opportunity for a fair chance and a fair shot to have their content seen and their voices heard!”