FCC's Genachowski Concerned About Retrans Affect on Cable Prices, Program Interruptions

Federal Communications Commission Julius Genachowski said April 13 that he favored the marketplace over the government in retransmission negotiations, but said he still thinks there are "legitimate questions" about whether the process needs review.

His focus is on the consumers who are impacted by retrans impasses. "I agree that the market is the preferred method to determine broadcast-cable arrangements. At the same time, these commercial negotiations between broadcasters and multichannel video providers affect third parties who aren't at the table." He said he was concerned about the effect on cable rates of broadcasters getting cash for their programming, as well as the "program interruptions."