Is the Deal Being Made in the Smoke Filled Back Room? – The MPAA Meets with the FCC Behind Our Backs!

Posted by Jake

June 19, 2008

The MPAA has had two high level meetings with Commissioners of the FCC behind the backs of the American people. Such closed door meetings are permitted so long as they are disclosed. Single party back room meetings are generally disfavored in the American court system – but then this is not taking place in a court. (Links to the letters are below).

The most recent meeting took place on Monday June 16th, 2008 between Fritz Attaway, Frank Cavaliere, Natalie G. Roisman (all of whom are associated with the MPAA) and Rick Chessen of Commissioner Michael Copps’ office.

What was discussed? “The purpose of the meeting was to discuss MPAA’s request.” Were any deals made? Only they know.

What request you may ask. Well earlier this month the MPAA asked the FCC for permission to unilaterally implement “selective output controls.” In other words, they want to reach into your home and turn off analog component outputs on cable and satellite set-top boxes. This is all to keep you from pirating movies that the MPAA plans to release “early” over cable and satellite. This plan doesn’t sit well with local theater owners.

The MPAA hasn’t just met once behind closed doors. They have done so twice! On June 10, 2008, Dan Glickman and Frank Cavaliere of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), accompanied by Eddie Fritts with The Fritts Group held an ex parte meeting with Commissioner Robert McDowell and Cristina Chou Pauze, Legal Advisor to Commissioner McDowell.

It is clear these people have access to the government that the normal citizen does not have. Lets hope this is not a la-me attempt to circumvent the open public process.

So far over 520 comments have been filed (and available) with the FCC. In a sample view, the overwhelming number of comments seem to be against the MPAA position. Most filings are merely brief comments – some of which are inflammatory and perhaps unhelpful to an opposing position.

If you want to make your voice heard – file your opinion. Comments must refer to Docket No. 08-82 and be made before June 25, 2008. The FCC stated that: