ATVA Files Reply Comments on “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard

Washington, D.C. – The American Television Alliance (ATVA), a voice for the TV viewer, today filed reply comments on the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard. ATVA’s comments focused on the broadcast industry’s abandonment of its original requirement to simulcast 1.0 signals in their current format. ATVA wrote that, “This change of heart greatly increases the risk of harm to over-the-air and MVPD viewers alike. It should also erase any doubts about the necessity for Commission oversight of the proposed transition.”

“The broadcast industry has pulled a classic bait and switch with the Commission and the American people,” said Trent Duffy, ATVA national spokesman. “Broadcasters have walked away from their promise of a ‘voluntary’ transition, and their recent proposals threaten to strand who rely on broadcasters for news, information, and entertainment.

“ATVA’s comments emphasize our belief that the transition should be completely voluntary. Broadcasters do not operate in a vacuum, and they do not have the right to impose new costs or burdens on others. We have full confidence that in light of the backsliding from the broadcast industry, the Commission will protect Pay-tv and over-the-air consumers from harm.”

ATVA’s full comments to the FCC can be viewed here.

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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.