Media Alert: Public Knowledge to Host Press Call on Ending Cable’s Programming Stranglehold
Media Alert: Public Knowledge to Host Press Call on Ending Cable’s Programming Stranglehold
Media Alert: Public Knowledge to Host Press Call on Ending Cable’s Programming Stranglehold

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    Update: Public Knowledge has rescheduled this press briefing to Tuesday, April 5 at 2 p.m. ET due to schedule conflicts with the FCC’s March 31 Open Meeting delays.

    Public Knowledge will host a press briefing Tuesday, April 5 at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the Federal Communications Commission’s Notice of Inquiry to promote diverse and independent sources of video programming.

    Large cable companies hold a disproportionate amount of leverage in the video marketplace, enabling them to take unfair advantage of most programmers. This imbalance has been highlighted frequently in many recent proceedings at the FCC, but for the independent programmers and diverse content producers it affects, it is a reality of their daily lives. The Internet has provided some relief, facilitating alternate outlets for voices that cannot get carriage on traditional media, but there is still a long way to go. This NOI opens the door to determine what policy changes are needed to ensure the expansion of independent programming and ongoing innovation and experimentation through online video distribution in the digital age.

    Public Knowledge’s Kate Forscey, Government Affairs Associate Counsel, will present a group of experts to review how diverse and independent programming sources can provide those with different views access to wider audiences, benefitting both consumers and independent programmers struggling with cable gatekeepers.

    These experts include Broderick Byers (CEO, iSwop Networks), Garrett Andrew Schneider (research and policy analyst, Writers Guild of America-West), and Todd O’Boyle (Program Director, Common Cause). Participants will also be available to answer questions.

    Press Call Participant Information:

    WHEN: Tuesday, April 5 at 2 p.m. ET
    DIAL-IN: 1-712-432-3071
    PASSWORD: 676292
    INSTRUCTIONS: 5* to queue questions, please state your name and outlet clearly

    Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.