MAY 26, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
                                   MORGAN BROMAN AT (202) 418-7200

        COMMISSION ADOPTS REVISED MARKET DEFINITION FOR
      CABLE TELEVISION BROADCAST SIGNAL CARRIAGE PURPOSES
                                
     To facilitate a smooth transition to a new market definition for cable television broadcast
signal carriage purposes, the FCC has adopted an order concerning the change from Arbitron's
areas of dominant influence ("ADIs") to Nielsen Media Research's designated market areas
("DMAs").  A market definition, such as ADI or DMA, is used to determine which broadcast
television stations are entitled to carriage on cable television systems in their area.  The order is
designed to reduce cable subscriber confusion and disruption in viewing patterns that may arise
because of the switch in market definitions.  Additionally, the FCC seeks to clarify the procedures
for determining markets for must carry purposes so that the administration of the cable television
signal carriage and retransmission consent rules is efficient and workable.

     In 1996, the FCC established new television market definitions for purposes of the cable
television signal carriage and retransmission consent rules  At that time the FCC concluded that it
was appropriate to change market definitions from Arbitron ADIs to Nielsen Media Research
DMAs for must-carry/retransmission consent elections. The new market definition will take effect
for the third must-carry/retransmission consent election that takes place on October 1, 1999 and
becomes effective on January 1, 2000.

     The order contains procedures designed to minimize unnecessary channel line-up
disruptions and creates new procedures that will provide relief in these cases.  The order also
amends the Commission's rules concerning the evidence required in petitions to modify markets. 
The new rules are intended to make the Commission's review process more efficient.

     Action by the Commission May 21, 1999, by Order on Reconsideration and Second
Report and Order (FCC 99-116).  Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Powell, Furchtgott-
Roth and Tristani.

                              -FCC -

     News Media contact: Morgan Broman at (202) 418-2358.
     Cable Services Bureau contacts: Ben Golant at (202) 418-7111.
     TTY: (202) 418-7172
     Report No. CS 99-9                                     CS Docket 95-178