FCC Commissioner Andrew Barrett, once thought hostile to cable's cause, surprised some FCC watchers. (Federal Communications Commission) (Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, August, 1993

FCC Commissioner Andrew Barrett, once thought hostile to cable's cause, surprised some FCC watchers by dissenting strongly to the FCC's decision to move up by a month the start of rate regulation to Sept. 1. The action "undermines the integrity of the commission's regulatory process, creates potential unintended consequences and potentially creates false expectations among the consumer public," he says.

Acting Chairman James Quello, in his separate statement, makes clear his vote for moving the effective date was cast grudgingly, principally to relieve intense congressional pressure for swift action.