Kentucky.gov

     The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) is advising National Football League fans that it cannot help them obtain cable television access to the NFL Network.
     “In the past several months, the PSC has received scores of e-mails from football fans asking that the PSC compel their local cable television systems to carry the NFL Network cable channel,” PSC Chairman Mark David Goss. “By federal law, the PSC has no authority over cable television content or rates, so we cannot act on these complaints.”
      Goss suggested that unhappy fans contact the Federal Communications Commission or local governments that issue franchises to cable television providers.
      The complaints are the result of a decision by the National Football League to establish its own cable network and make certain games available only on its network. Many cable companies are not carrying the NFL Network because they say it costs too much.
      The NFL Network is encouraging fans to pressure the cable systems by complaining to regulatory agencies, including state utility commissions.
       “While the PSC always wants to assist consumers, this is one instance in which all we can do is drop back and punt,” Goss said. “We simply have no jurisdiction.”
     The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 110 employees.