9th Circuit Asked to Stay FCC Cable LFA Order Implementation

Plaintiffs appealing the FCC cable TV local franchise authority (LFA) order (see 1911010057) asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay its implementation. In a docket 19-72219 motion (in Pacer) Monday, Eugene, Oregon, and plaintiffs in three other cases said all petitioners in another three lawsuits also support the motion. They said the agency "drastically and impermissibly reinterpreted key provisions of the Cable Act," affecting how franchises can ensure cable operators meet local needs, which was "a key purpose of the Cable Act." They said it "stretch[es] the meaning of the term 'franchise fee' beyond recognition," leading to budgetary worries for local communities. They said a stay wouldn't hurt cable companies, but implementation would mean "considerable harm" to LFAs and residents. It said respondents the FCC and U.S. and intervenor NCTA oppose the motion. The agency didn't comment Tuesday.