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Released: December 10, 2010

Consumer Action commends FCC for plans to address cable dispute blackouts

Contact: Linda Sherry, (202) 670-3601; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

On Wednesday, Dec. 8, Federal Communications Commission Media Bureau Chief William T. Lake said in a speech that the FCC will propose new rules aimed at preventing broadcast stations from removing their signals from cable companies when disputes arise over retransmission fees. Statement of Linda Sherry, Director of National Priorities for Consumer Action Consumer Action commends the Federal Communications Commission’s announcement of its plan to open a rulemaking proceeding to address outdated retransmission consent rules. Broadcasters who get free spectrum from the public should not hold viewers hostage in retransmission negotiations with video distributors. We look forward to working with the Commission to ensure that the rules governing these disputes protect consumer access to broadcast television without fear of disruption or increased costs. # # # Through multilingual financial education materials, community outreach, and issue-focused advocacy, Consumer Action empowers underrepresented consumers nationwide to assert their rights in the marketplace and financially prosper.

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Consumer Action commends FCC for plans to address cable dispute blackouts   (Retrans Statement 12-2010.pdf)