TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Bill Introduced to Regulate Cable TV: Amid continuing pressure for more regulation of cable TV, Rep. Edward J. Markey, (D-Mass.), chairman of a House subcommittee, introduced a bill that would sharply limit rate increases and require cable operators to pay television stations to carry their programming. The bill would cap charges for all but a top tier of premium cable services. It would also limit what cable companies could charge for rental of remote-control devices and converter boxes, and for cable installation and multiple television hookups. In addition, the measure calls for local cable authorities to “certify” consumer groups to represent viewers’ interests before them.