Perspectives on national cable policy: Focusing the issues

Debate over the nature and desirability of a national cable policy for the United States has gained increased attention with U.S. Senate passage of cable legislation in 1983. This article delineates the developing positions and issues of this debate by an analysis of testimony before Congress. Where possible, various positions of this debate are illuminated by data drawn from cable literature, government documents, and a survey of American local governments conducted by the National League of Cities. This analysis highlights the degree to which the debate over cable policy reflects fundamental differences of opinion over the proper role and scope of government in American business generally and communications in particular.