Actually, I can support this.
As Hank said, most cable companies are exclusive to the area. I have the option of having Charter or of not having cable, that isn't what I call a free market in the slightest. I have about as much choice in my choice of cable provider as I do in my choice of electric, water, or sewer utility. Those damn sure aren't a free market. And as such, they need approval from the critters I elect to represent me to do certain things.
I don't think it's right to outright treat them like a utility as it's not exactly the same, but it's close enough that certain things I could be in favor of. This is one of them.
A free market solution is, of course, much better. But given the amount of infrastructure strung up all over the place is involved letting every company that wants to run wire do so might not be the most practical thing out there.