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View Full Version : DIRECTV to Broadcasters: This Is War!



TAZ
06-12-2013, 02:38 PM
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (June 12, 2013) - DIRECTV today is expected to blast broadcast networks as "far too expensive" and far too willing to blackout your favorite channels in fee fights with TV providers.

Broadcasting & Cable Magazine reports that DIRECTV Executive Vice President Michael Palkovic will testify today during a House Communications Subcommittee hearing on the STELA law that authorizes satellite operators to distribute out-of-market local TV signals.

In prepared testimony, B&C writes Palkovic will call on Congress to either eliminate current broadcast regulations that require TV providers to pay broadcasters to carry their channels or change the law so they are "smarter to reflect the marketplace."

"Broadcast television has gotten far too expensive," the DIRECTV executive will state, according to B&C. "It is often unavailable where consumers want it, when they want it. Customers are forced to buy unwanted programming to get it, and the broadcast industry increasingly takes it away from viewers in blackouts."

DIRECTV has increasingly allowed its frustrations over network fees to become public in recent months. The satcaster often expresses its displeasure in sarcastic tones when a media company threatens to withhold its local stations unless DIRECTV pays what it wants.

The satellite TV service has been joined by other TV providers in its lament, most notably Time Warner Cable. But today's remarks by Palkovic is the closest thing yet to a declaration of war by any TV provider against the broadcasters.

By urging Congress to step in and eliminate the current broadcast regulations, which have helped the broadcast networks and affiliates generate billions in the last few years, DIRECTV is aiming to hit its adversary where it hurts the most.

The satcaster will also say it wants Congress to prevent broadcasters from dropping channels during sweeps weeks and be required to post notices before dropping channels at any time.

"The status quo is simply unacceptable," Palkovic's statement says, according to B&C.

The broadcast networks, via their DC representative, the National Association of Broadcasters, have enormous power on Capitol Hill and would seem to be in good position to smack down most of DIRECTV's request list. However, elected officials are clearly growing weary of the fee fights between broadcasters and TV providers which upset their constituents. Consequently, Capitol Hill watchers have said the current broadcast regulations could be modified this year or next.

kmil2001
06-25-2013, 12:26 AM
Mind putting this in World News? More people ought to see this.