The FCC took some very positive steps in broadcast policy last night but left a very important cable policy unresolved.

Thanks to an unorthodox majority of votes, the Commission endorsed new rules that would protect spots on the FM dial for hundreds -- if not thousands -- of low-power, community radio stations. We applaud the FCC’s recognition of this important public service.

In another win for local communities, the Commission will now require broadcasters to become more transparent by making available specific information about their service to local residents. This modest -- but important -- step forward will help shine light on the public service responsibilities that come with a license to use the public airwaves.

The Commission also advanced new public interest rules on "leased access" cable channels -- a good opportunity to promote competition and diversity through local programming on cable TV.

This positive cable policy was overshadowed by the controversy over a breakdown on the so-called 70/70 decision. We greatly regret that the 70/70 item could not be approved yesterday. The record shows strong evidence that the standard has been met, and the public benefits of the policy are clear.

However, we support the Commission’s new initiative to collect fresh data and reach a finding as rapidly as possible.