The D.C. Circuit has ruled that some cable operators do not have standing to challenge the so called “must carry” rule that requires them to carry both the analog and digital signals of the broadcasters that haven’t yet made the transition to all-digital signals. CSPAN, Discovery Communications, TV One, A&E TV Networks, The Weather Channel, and Scripps Networks filed the case against the FCC, alleging that the rule burdened their First Amendment rights.

The rule requires such dual carriage for three years after the switchover to digital, which comes in mid-February, 2009.