|
|
home >
latest issue >
Abstract: Vertical Foreclosure in Video Programming Markets: Implications for Cable Operators
Abstract
Vertical Foreclosure in Video Programming Markets: Implications for Cable Operators
The Review of Network Economics
Vol. 6, Issue 3 - September 2007, pp 372 - 396
Author
|
Hal J. Singer
Criterion Economics, L.L.C.
E-mail: [email protected]
J. Gregory Sidak Georgetown University Law Center
|
Abstract
|
This paper argues that a cable operator with sufficient market power in the downstream multi-channel video programming distribution (MVPD) market can deny access to unaffiliated programmers, resulting in an upstream programming rival's exit or impaired dynamic efficiency. Further, market dominance by cable operators may harm consumers of video programming through higher prices and less choice in the downstream MVPD market. The reason is that as unaffiliated video programming becomes affiliated programming, the latter is then withheld from rival MVPDs. This analysis is then applied to the recent acquisition of Adelphia by Comcast and Time Warner.
Keywords: Vertical foreclosure, video programming markets, cable operators, Adelphia, Comcast, TimeWarner JEL Codes: K21, L42, L51, L96, L82.
|
View PDF
[ next abstract ]
|
|
|