Today, Public Knowledge filed reply comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing the availability of diverse and independent video programming. The Commission is specifically seeking input on ways that large pay TV companies can harm diverse and independent programmers and hold back emerging competition from new video devices. Public Knowledge applauds the Commission for taking another step toward freeing consumers and programmers from the anti-competitive grip of pay TV giants.
The following can be attributed to Yosef Getachew, Policy Fellow at Public Knowledge:
“We have substantial evidence that independent and diverse programmers are being harmed by imbalances in negotiation leverage between major incumbent cable companies and large programmers. We know this because multiple independent programmers, consumer groups and small cable companies have shared their stories with the FCC — and these comments form an extensive and considerable record.
“The Commission’s proposed rules prohibiting certain anti-competitive contract terms affecting video streaming services would help level the playing field for independent and diverse programmers so they could reach new audiences, engage in new business practices and ultimately compete with larger programmers. We’re pleased to join members of Congress, like Senator McCaskill, in supporting a diversity of voices within the video marketplace.”
You may view our comments here. You may also view our Video Programming Notice of Inquiry comments as well as Senator McCaskill’s letter to FCC Chairman Pai on programming contracts.
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.