WASHINGTON, DC – The American Television Alliance (ATVA) today released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s decision ...
TELL CONGRESS: End Broadcaster TV Blackouts Now
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Broadcasters often unilaterally remove their channels from TV lineups, blacking out content from cable and satellite subscribers. Broadcasters then hold their channels for ransom until TV providers agree to pay more – the same channels that are available free over-the-air. These payments to broadcasters for “free” TV– so-called retrans fees – have soared in recent years, going from $200 million in 2006 to $11.7 billion in 2019 (an astounding 5,359 percent increase). Retrans fees are padding broadcasters’ bottom lines and costing customers billions more every year with no sign of stopping. Retrans fees are the fastest rising part of your monthly pay TV bill.
In the last decade, Broadcasters have weaponized TV blackouts, targeting live sports and other must-see TV on channels like ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC to inflict maximum pain on innocent consumers.
The ATVA’s mission is simple: to give consumers a voice and protect them from abusive broadcaster behavior. We seek to reform outdated rules that harm consumers and do not reflect today’s competitive video marketplace. We are united in our determination to ensure the best viewing experience at an affordable price and to end the menace of intentional broadcaster blackouts.
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2 weeks ago
Disappointing @EnergyCommerce didn’t take the opportunity to fix #retrans during #STELAR reauthorization. Read ATVA's statement: https://t.co/4iPu8TLb3L
Disappointing @EnergyCommerce didn’t take the opportunity to fix #retrans during #STELAR reauthorization. Read ATVA's statement: https://t.co/4iPu8TLb3L
4 weeks ago
The year's record number of #TVBlackouts and skyrocketing #retrans fees are why we need to reauthorize #STELAR and strengthen @FCC's good faith rules. @badgate https://t.co/GJxYJFvHJ1
The year's record number of #TVBlackouts and skyrocketing #retrans fees are why we need to reauthorize #STELAR and strengthen @FCC's good faith rules. @badgate https://t.co/GJxYJFvHJ1
4 weeks ago
Broadcasters want to kill #STELAR and the @FCC’s "good faith" authority. This should remind everyone why we need these rules in place. Renew #STELAR https://t.co/Us1rsJzglX
Broadcasters want to kill #STELAR and the @FCC’s "good faith" authority. This should remind everyone why we need these rules in place. Renew #STELAR https://t.co/Us1rsJzglX
4 weeks ago
Record year for #TVblackouts and #retrans fees means we need to keep these rules in place. Reauthorize #STELAR and keep the blackout crisis from getting even worse https://t.co/BWhhTjWEsQ
Record year for #TVblackouts and #retrans fees means we need to keep these rules in place. Reauthorize #STELAR and keep the blackout crisis from getting even worse https://t.co/BWhhTjWEsQ
4 weeks ago
ATVA’s statement on @FCC’s condemnation of broadcasters’ “egregious” anti-consumer behavior https://t.co/8gLl5t7hrH https://t.co/ZOoQ5EtdQU
ATVA’s statement on @FCC’s condemnation of broadcasters’ “egregious” anti-consumer behavior https://t.co/8gLl5t7hrH https://t.co/ZOoQ5EtdQU