FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			News Media Contact:
May 1, 2000						Michelle Russo (202) 418-2358


STATEMENT OF DEBORAH A. LATHEN, CABLE SERVICES BUREAU CHIEF, 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION REGARDING THE DISPUTE 
BETWEEN DISNEY/ABC AND TIME WARNER


At 12:01 a.m. today, Time Warner ceased carrying ABC television programming in 
certain cities, after the parties failed to reach a contractual agreement.  Today Disney/ABC filed 
a petition with the FCC requesting emergency relief that would require Time Warner to continue 
to carry ABC programming. In its petition, Disney/ABC asserts that Time Warner has violated 
the FCC rule that prohibits deleting programming during the "sweeps" period.

FCC staff has met with the parties and has requested that Time Warner file its response to 
the Disney/ABC petition with the FCC within 24 hours, no later than the close of business on 
May 2.  The facts will be reviewed and a decision will be rendered as soon as possible.

We continue to encourage the parties to resolve this issue privately and expeditiously.
 
-FCC-
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	News media Information 202 / 418-0500
	Fax-On-Demand   202 / 418-2830
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Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).