DISH, DirecTV, NAB and SHVIA Shenanigans

[Chris Blount]

Are shenanigans going on in the background concerning renewal of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA)?

EchoStar thinks so, saying it has heard of back-room negotiations allegedly designed to freeze out certain interests tied to the SHVIA debate. EchoStar released a statement early Thursday concerning the matter, only to release a second statement in the afternoon accusing its main competitor in the satellite TV business of working with broadcast and Hollywood interests on SHVIA matters.

The afternoon statement read: "DirecTV confirmed that it has been in private discussions with the National Association of Broadcasters and the Motion Picture Association of America, potentially with the goal of presenting joint legislation to Congress on the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act."

EchoStar added, "While discussion is important, we are disappointed DirecTV did not seek consensus within the satellite TV industry. However, we are confident Congress understands the need to involve representatives of the satellite TV industry without the conflicts inherent in DirecTV's broadcast ownership."

NAB didn't offer any comment on the EchoStar statement concerning SHVIA's renewal. DirecTV said, "Having conversations with a variety of parties to determine whether there are areas of agreement or compromise is an important and appropriate part of the process, especially given the potential impact that the SHVIA reauthorization will have on the satellite industry and consumers."

DirecTV added, "We have had conversations with our colleagues in the satellite business, as well as other industries - including the broadcast industry. We believe this dialogue is both constructive and positive for the legislative process. We will continue to have these discussions if we believe they serve a useful purpose and are in the best interest of our customers."

EchoStar has been pushing a proposal to allow satellite TV companies to deliver digital distant networks to consumers who cannot receive DTV signals from a local broadcaster. NAB has opposed the move during Congressional hearings on SHVIA's renewal.

http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)

[SamC]

IMHO -

This is part of Sue 'em Charlie's latest line. Poor little E* is being conspired against by big business. We will end up with a big lawsuit.

Theoretically, and assuming that they really get 7S up and running, DirecTV's and E*'s interests in SHVIA reform should be the same, and they should have a consolidated front "against" other interests (NAB, networks, etc).

But, IMHO, E* is mostly interested in finding loopholes in whatever is written, after the fact. DirecTV (unlike last time under the old mis-management) seems to want to work out something we can live with.

Congressional legislation is a matter of give and take among competing interests. People who don't understand that rarely are effective in getting something.

[sikma]

The only interest Washington should be concerned with is the publics.

[scooper]

"The public's interest" also includes the content providers - ensuring that their copyrights are adequately protected - or there won't BE any content to watch...

[clapple]

The only interest Washington should be concerned with is the publics.

Dream on! :nono2:

[sikma]

"The public's interest" also includes the content providers - ensuring that their copyrights are adequately protected - or there won't BE any content to watch...You are entirely correct. There're there to create laws and enforce same. I just want to make sure the laws they pass or tweak are in our best interest-first and worry about the sat. and network people second.

[dallas_axelrod]

It's easy to understand why EchoStar would be upset. DIRECTV is owned by News Corp which owns Fox Broadcasting. So the question is wheter DIRECTV is representing the interests of satellite TV consumers or the interests of the broadcasters? This smells...