U.S. Pay-TV Platforms Align to End Blackout Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A host of pay-TV operators, including Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and DIRECTV, together with several consumer groups, have formed a coalition to battle against broadcaster blackouts during retransmission fee disputes.

The American Television Alliance (ATVA) consists of 31 members, including consumer groups, cable operators, satellite providers, telcos, and independent programmers. Its mission is to prevent consumer confusion, disruption and increasing rates from channel operators. ATVA is also taking issue with current legislation that allows broadcasters to cut off their television signals if they do not receive the fees they want. "Broadcasters benefit from several outdated rules that give them the incentive and ability to withhold programming—using consumers as pawns in retransmission consent negotiations," ATVA’s launch statement said.

ATVA wants the FCC to consider requiring interim carriage of over-the-air stations should a retransmission consent agreement expire while negotiations are ongoing.

The coalition includes AT&T, The American Cable Association, Cablevision, DIRECTV, DISH Network, The New America Foundation, Public Knowledge, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and other groups.

"We’ve come together because we all recognize that consumers aren’t getting a fair shake from broadcasters, and face an unfair choice: Pay more for their favorite programs, or have them taken away," said Matthew M. Polka, president and CEO of the American Cable Association. "Working together with this diverse coalition, we’re going to fight hard to make sure viewers have a voice and Congress or the FCC addresses this important problem."