ATVA Commends Majority Whip Scalise for Leadership on Video Marketplace Reform

Aug 23, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC– The American Television Alliance today commended Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) for his leadership to advance the debate on reforming the antiquated laws that govern the video marketplace.  ATVA national spokesman Trent Duffy released the following statement after the introduction of the “Next Generation Television Marketplace Act” of 2018.

“The American Television Alliance, a voice for the TV viewer, commends Congressman Steve Scalise for his thoughtful leadership to reform and update America’s broken and outdated video laws.

“The Next Generation Television Marketplace Act will jumpstart and elevate a long-overdue conversation about modernizing the rules of the road for how Americans access and pay for video content. The legislation is forward-thinking, free-market oriented and pro-consumer.

“We live in an instant, on-demand digital world.  Consumers have unparalleled choice and competition for video content. Yet the laws that govern the video marketplace were first written in 1934 and last updated in 1992 – long before cell phones, HDTV or the Internet was even contemplated.

“We commend Congressman Scalise for his strong leadership to move this vitally important conversation forward.  ATVA looks forward to working with Congressman Scalise and the many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to pass pro-consumer video marketplace reform.”

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 900 broadcaster-initiated blackouts.  With 213 blackouts, 2017 was the worst year for TV blackouts on record.

  • 83 blackouts in 2018 (And Counting)
  • 213 blackouts in 2017 (A New Record)
  • 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.