Worst Year Ever for Broadcaster Retrans Blackouts?

Already More Markets Hit Than 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C.  May 3, 2012 – It was bad enough last year when broadcaster retrans blackouts hit millions of viewers in nearly 40 markets, but it only gets worse.  So far in 2012, they have used their bullying tactics in 45 markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington.   Just this week, viewers in Casper and Cheyenne Wyoming, victimized by the local broadcast companies’ four-month blackout of ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates finally got back their stations.  When will the FCC and Congress make it stop? It’s time for reform of outdated rules that allow broadcasters to hold viewers hostage in business disputes.

Stations affected: Casper:  KTWO, the ABC affiliate; KFNB, the FOX affiliate; KGWC, the CBS affiliate; Cheyenne: KLWY-DT2, the ABC affiliate; and KLWY, the FOX affiliate