Opening Paragraph:
As we dive into the exciting advancements that 2025 has brought us, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate some of the pivotal changes that set the stage for today’s landscape. One such change was the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to approve a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to unlock the set- box. This rule change, applauded by prominent figures like Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment and Founder of Black Entertainment Television, allowed consumers to integrate traditional cable programming with streaming video content. Today, we revisit that landmark event and reflect on the profound impact it has had on our viewing habits and content diversity.
Robert L. Johnson’s Praise for FCC’s Rulemaking
Robert L. Johnson commended the FCC for voting favorably for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to unlock the set-top box. The rule-making gave consumers the choice to purchase universal set-top devices that can combine traditional cable programming with streaming video content, putting all content on equal footing and ending the era of mandatory, expensive cable boxes.
Johnson’s Statement on the Rulemaking
Johnson stated, “I applaud the Federal Communications Commission for the favorable rule-making. The universal set-top box, unlike the leased cable box, increased consumer choice, saved consumers billions of dollars from monthly lease bills, and combined traditional cable programming with streaming video content, putting content on an equal footing.”
Thanking FCC Commissioners
Johnson personally thanked Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, the Commission’s only African -on-bet” target=”_blank”> member, for joining FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in supporting the universal set-top box proposal. He also commended Commissioner Clyburn for her leadership on launching a Notice of Inquiry to focus on the role the FCC could play in increasing diversity of content all media platforms.
Benefits for RLJ Entertainment’s Streaming Channels
RLJ Entertainment has two proprietary digital streaming channels with exclusive and niche-focused content – AcornTV (British mystery and drama) and UMC – Urban Movie Channel (urban-themed programming) – that were on various platforms but became better accessed when consumers could also find these and other streaming channels on their set-top boxes.
Opportunities for Minority Programmers
Minority programmers, who traditionally had their voices in media restricted by distribution gatekeepers based on a lack of appreciation of diversity or misguided beliefs that there isn’t economic value in minority content, gained the chance to have their programming viewed. Minority programmers finally had the opportunity to have their content seen and their voices heard.
#MusicIndustry #Entertainment #FCC #StreamingContent #DiversityInMedia
