NAB Hypocrisy Watch: Broadcasters Tout Localism to Congress 1 Day after Blacking Out TV Viewers in Hurricane Irma’s Path

Doublespeak from Broadcaster Trade Group as Station-Owners put Profits before Public Safety

Washington, D.C. – The brazen hypocrisy of the National Association of Broadcasters was on full display for policymakers and consumers at the House Energy and Commerce Committee this morning as an NAB witness touted the organization’s commitment to serving the public during extreme weather events, one day after Hearst Television blacked out viewers in Orlando in New Orleans – two major cities in the path of Hurricane Irma, the strongest Atlantic storm in history.

American Television Alliance Spokesman Trent Duffy reacted to the doublespeak from NAB:

“Actions speak louder than words.  The callous decision by Hearst Television to pull the plug on tens of thousands of TV viewers as the most dangerous storm in history looms is appalling.  Congress should know that NAB’s members are once again engaged in profiteering during a public safety emergency. The organization’s professed commitment to localism rings hallow when tens of thousands see a blank screen rather than critical news and information in the face of a hurricane.  Putting profits before public safety is reckless and wrong.  Lawmakers should hold Broadcasters accountable for their actions.”

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The American Television Alliance (ATVA) brings together an unprecedented coalition of consumer groups, cable, satellite, telephone companies, and independent programmers to raise awareness about the risk TV viewers face as broadcasters increasingly threaten service disruptions that would deny viewers access to the programs they and their families enjoy.

For more information about ATVA, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter @ATVAlliance.