NAB on Retransmission: There's "Snow" Problem

Analog broadcasters didn't like "snow" on the screen, but digital broadcasters are using it to make a point about retransmission. The National Association of Broadcasters took out an ad in the National Journal showing a mother sharing in the delight of her small child as the school closing announcement, with a wintery scene, comes on the TV screen. "Informing our communities. Helping neighbors in need. Providing a lifeline during times of crisis," the ad reads. "Local TV stations are compensated when cable and satellite companies retransmit our signals and sell them to subscribers. This retransmission consent revenue enables stations to do what we do best -- staff top quality newsrooms, cover pending storms and produce content that consistently dominates primetime program ratings.”