ATVA Statement on FCC’s Decision to Impose Unprecedented Retransmission Negotiation Fines

Proposed $9 Million Fine Underscores Need To End Broadcaster Blackouts

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Television Alliance (ATVA) today responded to the FCC’s vote to deny an appeal of its good-faith retransmission negotiation decision and in addition propose unprecedented fines on the associated broadcasters totaling more than $9 million. 

“ATVA applauds the FCC’s recognition of the need for serious reform regarding the retransmission negotiations process. We are pleased to see retransmission consent taken seriously in this case,” stated Jessica Kendust, ATVA spokesperson. “The flagrant abuse and misconduct described in this order are not only typical, but unfortunately, increasingly common by broadcasters during retrans negotiations. Broadcasters’ weaponization of station blackouts during negotiations is costing consumers billions every year. We hope that this decision and these fines totaling more than $9 million represent the first step of a broader reexamination of the broken retransmission consent marketplace.”

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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.