ACA Wants Parity Between DBS And Cable If New Broadcast Carriage Rules Emerge

In a letter to Senate Commerce Committee leadership, American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew Polka asked lawmakers to maintain regulatory parity between cable operators and satellite TV providers if Congress decides to adopt new broadcast carriage rules designed to expand choice and consumer access to state-related news, weather reports and other vital information. The letter focused on various proposals on Capitol Hill that would allow satellite TV carriers to offer their subscribers access to TV stations located outside of their local market but based within the same state. Access to those in-state, out-of-market broadcasters would enhance the ability of satellite consumers to stay current with important developments within their own states, whether the subject is politics, general news, weather, government, crop reports or sports results. Due to federal exclusivity rules and other contractual restrictions imposed by the broadcast networks, cable operators are often prohibited from offering in-state broadcast stations to their customers.