ATVA Statement: Stop the Blackouts: Chambers ABC Blackout in Oregon Reaches One Week As Nation Grows Tired of Broadcaster Bullying Tactics

Washington, D.C. December 22, 2010 As the Chambers blackout of ABC for DISH Network subscribers reaches Day 7 in Oregon, there is increasing pressure to end these broadcaster bullying tactics. Blackouts have become a national problem and are at their highest level in a decade.  According to Bloomberg, before Chambers put viewers in the dark, there had already been five this year, affecting 19 million viewers.  The increased frequency and the impact on viewers prompted a U.S. Senate hearing last month and a Federal Communications announcement that it will begin formulating new rules to protect consumers.  Additionally, a number of public interest groups signed a joint statement calling for a moratorium on blackouts last week.  Chambers should read the writing on the wall, quit holding viewers hostage and in the holiday spirit, end this blackout.