FCC Media Bureau Chief William Lake said today the agency will take a new look at disruptive disputes between cable systems and broadcasters over program carriage. His speech is here.
The following is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:
“We are very pleased to see the FCC begin a new look at retransmission consent. These disputes between broadcasters and cable operators are becoming more frequent and increasingly bitter, and consumers are more than ever becoming innocent victims of those disputes. That’s why we and others asked the FCC in March to start a rulemaking on the issues.
“In addition, we were heartened by Media Bureau Chief William Lake’s statement that the Commission will look closely at circumstances surrounding the negotiations to determine whether the talks were in ‘good faith’ as the law requires, and determine which tactics qualify and which do not.
“We look forward to working with the Commission to protect consumers and bring some order to a distressingly chaotic marketplace.”
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.