Here's something that mostly agree with. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) have introduced a bill that would effectually throw out retransmission regulations and reform local media ownership rules. Proposed as the "Next Generation Television Marketplace Act," the legislation looks to ditch "decades old" communications law that the Republicans say doesn't adequately reflect today's high-tech industry.
If passed, the bill would 1) repeal sections of the Communications Act that require the carriage and purchase of broadcast signals by pay-TV ops; 2) repeal retrans consent and compulsory license provisions; and 3) repeal ownership limits on local media operators.
ACA President Matt Polka said his organization supported the legislation and was encouraged by the effort to modernize video market laws that will better serve consumers, especially those in rural areas. Calling the proposal "long overdue," Polka said he was encouraged that legislators are finally looking into how current communications law affects competition and consumers.
Cable wasn't the only industry praising the proposal. DIRECTV issued a statement late last week in favor of the bill applauding the Republican officials for attempting to "modernize" the TV marketplace by eliminating regulations that "shackle innovation, competition and consumer choice."
The part I don't agree with is #3. We shouldn't allow any more consolidation of ownership by TV corps.
If passed, the bill would 1) repeal sections of the Communications Act that require the carriage and purchase of broadcast signals by pay-TV ops; 2) repeal retrans consent and compulsory license provisions; and 3) repeal ownership limits on local media operators.
ACA President Matt Polka said his organization supported the legislation and was encouraged by the effort to modernize video market laws that will better serve consumers, especially those in rural areas. Calling the proposal "long overdue," Polka said he was encouraged that legislators are finally looking into how current communications law affects competition and consumers.
Cable wasn't the only industry praising the proposal. DIRECTV issued a statement late last week in favor of the bill applauding the Republican officials for attempting to "modernize" the TV marketplace by eliminating regulations that "shackle innovation, competition and consumer choice."
The part I don't agree with is #3. We shouldn't allow any more consolidation of ownership by TV corps.