A daylong Senate Commerce Committee "forum" Tuesday on media indecency is scheduled to include comments from Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin, an advocate of family tiers and a la carte options for cable subscribers.
Martin is headlining a list of 25 speakers representing cable, broadcasting, satellite and telecommunications interests. National Cable & Telecommunications Association president Kyle McSlarrow and American Cable Association president Matt Polka are also among those expected to address the panel.
The committee did not disclose the format for the event, including whether speakers will appear alone or on panels. The committee has labeled the marathon session, which runs from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., a forum in order to distinguish it from a hearing.
The Senate is out of session Tuesday, perhaps causing some on the panel to remain in their home states.
Senate Commerce Committee chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) -- an outspoken critic of cable programming, but without naming specific shows or channels -- has also invited leaders of the Parents Television Council to appear. The PTC has strongly attacked MTV: Music Television and FX for airing shows that are inappropriate for children.
