Levin Asks Broadcasters for Retransmission Clarification

Following up on a meeting with broadcasters on the National Broadband Plan, Blair Levin asked if all broadcasters require a 19.4 Mps bitstream in order to have sufficient leverage to secure financial payments in retransmission negotiations. He wonders if it is only by virtue of the digital transmission and the ability to utilize the entire bitstream for broadcasting that broadcasters are now receiving significant payments from cable, teleco, and satellite TV operators for their retransmission rights.