FCC Signals It Will Protect Consumers if No Blackout Resolution

Acting Chairwoman Clyburn Says CBS-TWC Dispute Has Gone on Too Long

Washington, D.C. August 9, 2013 — The American Television Alliance commends acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn for calling attention today to the consumers who are “being adversely affected” by the ongoing retransmission consent dispute between CBS and Time Warner Cable and encourages swift action to protect the consumers who are currently being harmed by numerous blackouts, particularly all those around the country who are affected by CBS’ blackout of its Internet content.

Clyburn promised she is “ready to consider appropriate action if this dispute continues,” but frankly, that time is now. The FCC has sat on the sidelines for too long on this issue and consumers will continue to be harmed until the retransmission consent process matches up with today’s video marketplace. The system is clearly broken, with more television markets blacked out at the moment than ever before and multiple providers involved in disputes with broadcasters. The FCC needs to act now so these problems don’t continue to plague consumers.