WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today's passage of satellite television legislation ("Television Viewer Protection Act") by the House Energy & Commerce Committee, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"NAB applauds a key provision in the House Commerce Committee-passed STELAR bill today that makes permanent legislation requiring broadcasters and pay TV companies to conduct carriage negotiations in 'good faith'. While we continue to question the need for STELAR legislation, a "permanent good faith" requirement is far preferable to the current five-year STELAR renewal cycle that has incentivized pay TV companies to force broadcast TV programming disruptions that harm consumers.
"We thank Chairman Pallone and ranking member Walden for their leadership on this issue. We look forward to working with other respective committees in both the House and Senate that are weighing renewal of a STELAR bill that we believe has outlived its usefulness."
About NAB
follow me