FTA Michael
06-25-08, 12:40 PM
According to an excellent, extensive article in TVNewsday, cable companies want to get a law passed to restrict retransmission payments to local TV stations. Since the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (SHVERA) needs to pass before SHVIRA expires at the end of 2009, some lawyers see it as a vehicle to carry more rights-related amendments, even for cable.
Another line of thought is that any adjacent-market rules or laws that pass could include new restrictions on retransmission consent.
The full article is here (http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2008/06/25/daily.3/) (free, but registration required).
"The cable guys will use everything they can to weaken the retransmission consent process," says one broadcast lobbyist.
Another line of thought is that any adjacent-market rules or laws that pass could include new restrictions on retransmission consent.
The full article is here (http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2008/06/25/daily.3/) (free, but registration required).
"The cable guys will use everything they can to weaken the retransmission consent process," says one broadcast lobbyist.