Five Month Broadcaster Blackout Ends, More Threatened

No End in Sight Until FCC and Congress Curb Retrans Abuse 

WASHINGTON D.C.  May 26, 2012 — While we are pleased to see the blackout of three local stations end in Corpus Christi, 2012 continues on course as the worst ever for broadcaster abuse of viewers.  While the ink dries on the Texas deal, Media General is threatening to pull the plug on stations in three markets (Mobile, Roanoke and Providence, RI).  We are fast approaching 50 broadcaster blackouts this year.  Where is the outrage?  Until Washington changes the retransmission consent rules, broadcasters will continue to act with impunity and keep viewers in the dark for months at a time.