FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to a blog post by FCC Media Bureau Chief Bill Lake regarding a proposal to eliminate exclusivity rules for broadcast programming, the following statement can be attributed to NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton:
“Chairman Wheeler appears to be on a singular crusade to eliminate exclusivity rules that serve an important part of the overall localism landscape. Neither he nor his Media Bureau Chief Bill Lake have identified any consumer benefit to eliminating the rules. And just last year Congress included broadcast exclusivity protections in the DBS context in satellite TV legislation. We’re hopeful other FCC members will reject this government giveaway to Big Cable.”
NAB also filed this letter today responding to ACA’s attempt to downplay the important balance between exclusivity rules and the compulsory copyright regime. In its filing, NAB urged the FCC to resist policies that run contrary to congressional intent the carriage of broadcast signals by pay TV operators.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
Article Courtesy NAB
