Scrooged in the Nation’s Capital – Retrans Blackouts Threatened in DC Area

Washington D.C.  December 20, 2011 – Broadcasters’ Scrooge-like behavior has come to the nation’s capital, giving Washington policymakers a taste of what has been happening around the country the last few years.  Allbritton Communications Company is threatening to black out local ABC affiliate WJLA (Channel 7) on January 1. Up the road in Baltimore, Sinclair is pulling the same stunt with its Fox and CW stations. If the broadcasters carry out their threats, viewers will see static across the nation on New Year’s Day. With legislation introduced in Congress and an FCC rulemaking pending, ATVA urges policymakers to make a New Year’s resolution to finally reform outdated rules and protect consumers.

All press inquiries should be directed to Mike Heimowitz at [email protected].