Senate Commerce Committee Passes Retrans Reforms
STAVRA Support Shows Bipartisan Majority Favors Fixing Retransmission Consent
Washington, D.C. September 17, 2014– Following the Senate Commerce Committee’s passage of the Satellite Television Access and Viewer Rights Act (STAVRA) today, the American Television Alliance released the following statement:
Today’s passage of STAVRA is a clear and convincing victory for those fighting to fix our broken retransmission consent system. When lawmakers first considered updating STELA last year, broadcasters called for letting it sunset. Then, they called for a “clean” bill. Fortunately for consumers, Congress ignored their obfuscation. STAVRA contains several significant provisions that will help curb skyrocketing retrans fees and blackouts, despite broadcasters’ wishes. We thank Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Thune and the rest of the Committee for their work on this important issue.
The word is out in both the House and the Senate: retransmission consent will be reformed. Members from both sides of the aisle have shown a willingness to stand up to the broadcasters and seek change. We look forward to working with these members to put together a package for consideration by both chambers and the President. As we’ve said all along, consumers deserve video rules written in the 21st Century.