Correct me if I’m wrong...
I don’t think the FCC has any control over cable.
The FCC was established to control what goes over the airwaves, because it belongs to all of us. Unregulated airwaves have the potential of being dominated by a single source or one that provides obscene content. But this does not apply to cable, which is accepted by the consumer by choice.
If I’m right, then either Sen. Rockefeller is ignorant or is asking to change the role of the FCC from an airwaves traffic cop to that of an Information Controller.
Cable TV is going the way of the VCR. FOX is doing great, but MSNBC is a losing proposition.
Rockefeller would lose his investments if it folded. ( So would many other politicians, of his ilk. They might even have investments in FOX. Money is money, ya know.)
HOWEVER, if the FCC FORCES MSNBC to stop it's broadcast, the investors (who in this case are the one's who make the law to begin with) are protected financially. Rockefeller wants to sacrifice his 'lamb', because it was spoiled and he couldn't sell it anyway. This way, YOU will be forced to give him fair market price , but you don't get the lamb, and he takes one of your lambs.