01-24-02, 06:04 AM
The National Association of Broadcasters asked the Federal Communications Commission to require EchoStar to notify consumers about its second dish option for receiving a select set of local TV channels.
The NAB has been pushing the FCC to require satellite TV providers to offer local channels via one dish only, rather than the two dish option EchoStar is providing for some of its customers. In a filing the association sent to the commission Wednesday, the NAB reiterated its stand on the issue, but added additional points concerning customer notification of the second dish service.
In the comments sent to the agency, which address its emergency petition on EchoStar's second dish option, NAB asked the FCC to require EchoStar to "prominently and repeatedly communicate" to existing and new customers its offer for a free second dish. The NAB also asked the FCC to require EchoStar to cover costs, including purchase and installation, for the option.
The second dish EchoStar is offering to customers supplies local networks outside of typical network affiliates. The second dish channel set contains independent stations, off-air shopping nets and Spanish-language programming, among other channels.
As expected, EchoStar defended its use of a second dish. "EchoStar's plan is in harmony with the spirit as well as the letter of both SHVIA (the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act) and the commission's rules," the company said.
EchoStar reminded the FCC in its filing that two satellite manufacturers failed to deliver on-time its two spot-beam satellites. When that happened, EchoStar said it "faced a choice between severely disrupting consumers' service, including dropping local service in many markets, or quickly developing another means of complying with the must-carry law."
EchoStar said it "chose to meet its must-carry obligation in the least disruptive way possible to consumers, spreading must-carry station signals across its satellite fleet and providing subscribers with any necessary additional equipment free of charge."
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association also commented on the NAB effort, saying what the broadcast association is seeking at the FCC is "beyond the scope of the authority Congress granted the commission in this area."
The SBCA also said eliminating the second-dish option for satellite TV viewers could have the potential of cutting off access to local stations in multiple markets. Thus, the NAB and other broadcast lobbying organizations "would rather shoot themselves and their members in the foot for political gain than allow satellite carriers to bring local television signals to as many subscribers as possible," the satellite association said.
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</a> (Used with permission)
The NAB has been pushing the FCC to require satellite TV providers to offer local channels via one dish only, rather than the two dish option EchoStar is providing for some of its customers. In a filing the association sent to the commission Wednesday, the NAB reiterated its stand on the issue, but added additional points concerning customer notification of the second dish service.
In the comments sent to the agency, which address its emergency petition on EchoStar's second dish option, NAB asked the FCC to require EchoStar to "prominently and repeatedly communicate" to existing and new customers its offer for a free second dish. The NAB also asked the FCC to require EchoStar to cover costs, including purchase and installation, for the option.
The second dish EchoStar is offering to customers supplies local networks outside of typical network affiliates. The second dish channel set contains independent stations, off-air shopping nets and Spanish-language programming, among other channels.
As expected, EchoStar defended its use of a second dish. "EchoStar's plan is in harmony with the spirit as well as the letter of both SHVIA (the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act) and the commission's rules," the company said.
EchoStar reminded the FCC in its filing that two satellite manufacturers failed to deliver on-time its two spot-beam satellites. When that happened, EchoStar said it "faced a choice between severely disrupting consumers' service, including dropping local service in many markets, or quickly developing another means of complying with the must-carry law."
EchoStar said it "chose to meet its must-carry obligation in the least disruptive way possible to consumers, spreading must-carry station signals across its satellite fleet and providing subscribers with any necessary additional equipment free of charge."
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association also commented on the NAB effort, saying what the broadcast association is seeking at the FCC is "beyond the scope of the authority Congress granted the commission in this area."
The SBCA also said eliminating the second-dish option for satellite TV viewers could have the potential of cutting off access to local stations in multiple markets. Thus, the NAB and other broadcast lobbying organizations "would rather shoot themselves and their members in the foot for political gain than allow satellite carriers to bring local television signals to as many subscribers as possible," the satellite association said.
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</a> (Used with permission)