Public Knowledge Disappointed in Failure of New York Cable Talks; Kerry Praised
Public Knowledge Disappointed in Failure of New York Cable Talks; Kerry Praised
Public Knowledge Disappointed in Failure of New York Cable Talks; Kerry Praised

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    The following statement is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:

    “It is truly unfortunate the consumers in the New York City area are the latest victims in the continual dispute between broadcasters and cable companies. WABC-TV this morning pulled its signal from Cablevision's systems, which provide service to about three million customers.

    “We have urged Congress to change this system in which consumers are usually the losers in the fights between broadcasters and cable companies.

    “At the same time, we were heartened by the comments of Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet. Kerry told FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski that, “this game of chicken being played again and again between cable companies and broadcasters with consumers in the crosshairs must come to an end.” He also suggested a process for resolving disputes in which consumers are not the losers.

    “We could not agree more with Sen. Kerry. It's time for Congress to fix this broken system. Sen. Kerry has proposed some changes. So have we. Out of those ideas, or others, should come protections for consumers who are innocent bystanders in these disputes.”

    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.