Public Knowledge Urges Senators To Fix or Oppose STAVRA

Public Knowledge and other public advocacy groups sent letters to all 100 senators urging them to either fix provisions harmful to consumers in the Satellite Television Access and Viewer Rights Act (STAVRA) or refrain from passing the bill at all.

Each letter explains that language removing current Federal Communications Commission rules around set-top boxes will harm competition in the video device market, and potentially hurt future innovation in video devices and systems. The Senate Commerce Committee approved STAVRA's harmful provision, but several senators have objected to the bill's language and delayed its passing. Public Knowledge supports these objections and encourages all senators to demand the language be changed. Public Knowledge also opposes hiding the anti-consumer provision in important spending legislation needed to fund the U.S. government. Multiple public interest advocacy groups joined Public Knowledge’s letter, including Common Cause, Consumer Action, Consumers Union, Free Press Action Fund and the Parents Television Council.