Raising Antennas in Show-Biz

WITH TWO STROKES OF THE PEN, THE FEDERAL COMmunications Commission created a lot of static in the entertainment business. By adopting the most sweeping price controls in a decade, the agency angered the cable-television industry, ordering cable systems throughout the country to cut rates for most services up to 10%, a move that could save subscribers an aggregate $1.2 billion. Rates will now be regulated by Washington and local governments. While cable companies complained, consumer groups and local governments say the FCC did not go far enough. In a separate decision that left Hollywood studios fuming, the FCC allowed ABC, CBS and NBC to produce and own television programs and retain their lucrative rerun rights as well. In erasing industry barriers, the ruling could eventually lead to mergers between studios and TV networks.