WASHINGTON, DC -- Broadcasters oppose the Satellite Television Access and Viewer Rights Act (STAVRA) outline circulated today by the Senate Commerce Committee. The proposal and its treatment of very complicated issues, many of which received no formal committee process, are inappropriate for inclusion in a STELA reauthorization.
The following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"NAB opposes this proposal because it eliminates the basic tier upon which millions rely for access to lifeline information. It proposes a broadcast a la carte scheme that will lead to higher prices and less program diversity. Furthermore, STAVRA appears to confer unfettered and unprecedented authority for government intervention into private marketplace negotiations.
"NAB continues to support the noncontroversial and bipartisan clean STELA reauthorization passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which ensures continued access to broadcast television for rural viewers."
About
NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests
in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education
and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities,
strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital
age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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