Yet another example of something that SHOULD BE a big "who the hell cares?"
This only applies to the distorted model of legacy subscription TV distribution
schemes, which were limited by the technology of the day. Local broadcasters,
pretending to own content that they do not own, only have this leverage because
the old distribution methods GAVE that leverage to the broadcasters. The
Alliance whines about it, but the MVPDs also benefitted greatly, from the
market distortions, for many decades. They had a captive subscriber base.
We need to PREVENT such nonsense from occurring over the US (advanced) telecom
networks. Let those shenanigans exist only in the legacy MVPD model, and all
players will quickly realize that the more such games they play, the faster
people bail out. The FCC Chairman is trying his best to duplicate this sorry
state of affairs over the Internet, because he seems unable to think past his
previous allegiances. (Or because he's on the take. How is he not ashamed by
that appearance? I keep asking myself this question.)
Bert
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http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0002/alliance-cries-foul-over-tv-retrans-blackouts/282527
Alliance Cries Foul Over TV Retrans Blackouts
The American TV Alliance says broadcasters blacked out their TV signals 213
times in 2017 to gain retrans leverage
January 9, 2018
By Phil Kurz
WASHINGTON-Last year TV broadcasters set a record for the number of blackouts
recorded in a single year, taking down cable and satellite TV signals 213
times, according to the American TV Alliance. By way of comparison, there were
eight TV blackouts nationwide in 2010, the alliance said.
"Broadcaster blackouts roared back in 2017 after the FCC suspended its
investigation of abusive broadcast industry tactics," said ATVA spokesman Trent
Duffy in a press release issued today. "Broadcasters have weaponized TV
blackouts, deliberately targeting live sports and other must-see TV to inflict
maximum pain on innocent consumers."
Broadcasters often black out channels when retransmission negotiations reach an
impasse. The alliance predicts this tactic will continue until Congress and the
FCC get involved "to protect consumers," said Duffy. ATVA has asked the FCC to
ban broadcasters from blacking out marquee programming as leverage during
retransmission negotiations
The American TV Alliance, which calls itself "a voice for the TV viewer,"
counts among its partners the American Cable Association, the NTCA - Rural
Broadband Association, DISH Network, Charter Communications and Verizon,
according to the group's website.
Tens of millions of pay-TV viewers were denied access to local news, weather
and live sporting events in 2017, the alliance said.
"Broadcasters pocketed $9.3 billion in 2017 from pay TV customers for 'free'
TV," the alliance said in its press release, quoting figures from SNL Kagan.
Some of the events broadcasters blacked out last year included the Super Bowl,
awards shows, college football bowl games, the NFL Playoffs, March Madness and
other programming, it said.
The alliance singled out CBS, which it said denied millions of DISH Network
customer in 18 markets across 26 states access to the 2017 Thanksgiving Day
Parade, holiday specials and NFL football. Further, CBS earned an additional $1
billion from retrans last year and is on track to collet $2.5 billion more by
2020, it said. Overall, TV broadcasters are projected to earn an additional
$12.8 billion by 2023.
According to the ATVA, by year the number of blackouts totals: 213 in 2017; 104
in 2016; 193 in 2015; 94 in 2014; 119 in 2013; 90 in 2012; 42 in 2011 and eight
in 2010.
In a response to ATVA's press release, NAB's Executive Vice President of
Communications Dennis Wharton released the following statement:
"ATVA should look in the mirror to determine who's really responsible for
retrans disruptions: ATVA's own members-the largest pay-TV companies in the
business-cynically force impasses in hopes that Washington will inject itself
into free market negotiations. Despite pay TV posturing, 99 percent of all
retrans deals are completed successfully, and we look forward to continue
partnerships with pay TV operators for our valued, most-watched broadcast
programming."
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