ATVA Calls for Fix to Broken Retrans Laws Amid Gray Television’s Good Faith Violation
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Television Alliance today called on Congress to address broken retransmission consent laws amid Gray Television’s violation of “good faith” negotiation rules with C Spire Fiber.
“Gray Television is negotiating in bad faith and this is yet another reason why Congress needs to do something about the laws that allow it to happen,” said Trent Duffy, ATVA spokesman. “Bipartisan momentum for reform is at an all-time high, our coalition is growing, and our voices will continue to get louder so long as broadcasters are able to blackout consumers with immunity.”
The Good Faith Complaint and Petition for Declaratory Ruling was filed June 3 by C Spire against Gray Television.
TV Blackout Crisis: 2017 Breaks Blackout Record as Broadcasters Rake in Billions from Viewers
Since 2010, millions of Americans have seen dark screens instead of watching their favorite channels due to more than 1,000 broadcaster-initiated blackouts. With 213 blackouts, 2017 was the worst year for TV blackouts on record.
- 62 blackouts in 2019
- 165 blackouts in 2018
- 213 blackouts in 2017
- 104 blackouts in 2016
- 193 blackouts in 2015
- 94 blackouts in 2014
- 119 blackouts in 2013
- 90 blackouts in 2012
- 42 blackouts in 2011
- 8 blackouts in 2010
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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.