Refreshing the Record on Virtual MVPDs

Virtual MVPD

A nearly decade-old proceeding at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could impact local television broadcasters' ability to invest and serve audiences with uniquely local and trusted information, yet it doesn't include up-to-date marketplace information regarding the rise, and increasing influence, of digital distribution platforms.

  • NAB has been encouraging the FCC to return to this proceeding and gather the information needed to prepare the video marketplace for the future.
  • In June, Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, urged the FCC to refresh its record "to reflect the growing amount of video services that are provided over the internet."
  • In October, 20 senators led by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (NM), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, sent a letter to the FCC urging it to refresh the record in the vMVPD proceeding.
  • The letter cited the growth in online video platforms since the proceeding was opened and the impact the ongoing shift to streaming is having on consumers' access to public safety information and vital local news.

Why it matters:

Though the television marketplace has changed dramatically in recent years, viewers still expect and deserve access to their local TV news stations - no matter the platform.