The Role of Analysis in Regulatory Decisionmaking

The Case of Cable Television

Edited by Rolla Edward Park

Contributors: Gary L. Christensen, William S. Comanor, J. A. Dimling, K. R. Goodwin, R. G. Noll, Bruce M. Owen, D. W. Webbink

ResearchPublished 1972

Views of the part played by economic analysis in FCC adoption of rules governing cable TV, by (1) the National Cable Television Association's general counsel, (2) the National Association of Broadcasters' research vice-president, (3) the Office of Telecommunications Policy's chief economist, (4) a consultant professor, (5) the FCC planning staff director, (6) one Brookings analyst who filed comments in the public interest, and (7) another who analyzed all the economic studies for the FCC, with (8) a summarizing statement by RAND economist Park. All agree that analysis proved less a tool for the decisionmaker than a weapon for the contending parties. Although the Commissioners never actually studied them, the reports established a framework for discussion and affected the eventual compromise by strengthening perceptions of cable's possible benefits and damping excessive fears of its possible harm. Appended are a brief history of cable TV and a chronology.

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  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Available
  • Year: 1972
  • Print Format: Paperback
  • Paperback Pages: 177
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  • Document Number: P-4929

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RAND Style Manual
Park, Rolla Edward, ed., The Role of Analysis in Regulatory Decisionmaking: The Case of Cable Television, RAND Corporation, P-4929, 1972. As of September 12, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4929.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Park, Rolla Edward, ed., The Role of Analysis in Regulatory Decisionmaking: The Case of Cable Television. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1972. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4929.html. Also available in print form.
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