Report No. CS 98-6    CABLE SERVICES ACTION                    April 22, 1998

   COMMISSION PROPOSES STREAMLINED CABLE FILING REQUIREMENTS
                                
     As part of an ongoing effort to streamline the regulatory process, the Commission has
adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to simplify the Part 76 Cable Television Service
pleading and complaint process rules.  The Commission believes that the creation of simpler,
more uniform pleading process will lessen confusion and reduce the regulatory burden on
franchising authorities, cable operators and other parties.  This action is initiated in
conjunction with the 1998 biennial regulatory review process .  Although Section 11 does not
specifically refer to cable operations, the Commission has determined that the 1998 biennial
review presents an opportunity to examine all of the Commission's regulations.

     Under the Commission's current Part 76 rules, the procedures for seeking  Commission
action on any cable television service issue vary depending on the underlying rule under which
action is sought.  In the Part 76 rules there are at least 13 different types of petitions or
complaints that could be filed to initiate Commission action on various cable-related rules,
each with unique procedural requirements.  These variations have evolved as Commission
rules have been adopted over a period of time in response to changes in the Communications
Act and, specifically, changes in laws regarding to cable issues passed by Congress in 1984,
1992, and 1996.  The Commission believes that the different pleading requirements could be
more uniform.  

     The Commission seeks comment on which aspects of the pleading processes can be
made consistent under the Part 76 rules and how the entire process can be streamlined.  The
initial comment deadline is June 22, 1998, reply comments are due by July 7, 1998.

Action by the Commission April 13, 1998, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 98-68).
Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani, with
Commissioner Furchtgott-Roth issuing a separate statement.

                              -FCC -

News Media contact: Morgan Broman at (202) 418-0852.
Cable Services Bureau contact: Thomas Horan at (202) 418-2486.