Press Release
Free Press Welcomes Congressional Efforts to Protect Consumers in Cable-Broadcast Spats
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON – In the wake of the ongoing dispute between Cablevision and Fox over retransmission fees, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) released a draft of a legislative fix aimed at preventing future battles and ensuring that consumers aren’t caught in the crossfire. Senator Kerry also sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, urging the agency to take stronger action in disputes over retransmission fees.
Free Press Action Fund Policy Adviser Joel Kelsey made the following statement:
“Senator Kerry’s effort to prevent future blackouts on the television sets of cable subscribers is a good first step toward addressing disputes between cable providers and broadcasters that result in consumers being denied services they paid for. The FCC needs to be able to step in when companies can’t reach agreement so consumers don’t get squeezed between industry titans.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Kerry to make the bill stronger. For example, fees and costs for each channel being negotiated should be disclosed not just to the FCC, but should be made public to subscribers as well.
“Further, subscribers should be told what they are paying for each individual channel, and they should be empowered to choose and pay for only those channels they want. The public deserves a legislative effort that would address the systemic problems and root causes of these carriage disputes and ensure that consumers aren’t continually left in the dark.”
Free Press Action Fund Policy Adviser Joel Kelsey made the following statement:
“Senator Kerry’s effort to prevent future blackouts on the television sets of cable subscribers is a good first step toward addressing disputes between cable providers and broadcasters that result in consumers being denied services they paid for. The FCC needs to be able to step in when companies can’t reach agreement so consumers don’t get squeezed between industry titans.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Kerry to make the bill stronger. For example, fees and costs for each channel being negotiated should be disclosed not just to the FCC, but should be made public to subscribers as well.
“Further, subscribers should be told what they are paying for each individual channel, and they should be empowered to choose and pay for only those channels they want. The public deserves a legislative effort that would address the systemic problems and root causes of these carriage disputes and ensure that consumers aren’t continually left in the dark.”
