ACAction Brief - your connection to news and initiatives
ACA Public Issue – April 18, 2012 

 Key Developments  

ACA:Tribune Blackout Illustrates Need For Government Action On Retrans

 
In an April 5 statement, American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka stressed the need for action by the Federal Communications Commission and Congress on retransmission consent in response to the consumer harm that resulted from Tribune Broadcasting’s five-day blackout of millions of DirecTV satellite-TV consumers.

"ACA has maintained all along that the fact that retransmission consent deals eventually get done does not mean the market is working,” Polka said. “ACA is certain that millions of DirecTV customers callously blacked out by Tribune Broadcasting are now painfully aware that the current retrans regime is broken and no longer serves the public interest.”

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ACA Commends Media Access Project's Dedication To Public Interest

 
ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement on news that the Media Access Project (MAP) is planning to conclude operations on May 1.

"The Media Access Project's withdrawal from the public policy arena is sad news for everyone who admires this fine organization. Over nearly four decades, the public has greatly benefited from the group's very effective advocacy, particularly with respect to its representation of resource-constrained clients who otherwise would not have a voice. The rulings in which MAP participated were often better because of its tireless efforts,” Polka said.

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  News Headlines


  • Comcast And Satellite Companies At Impasse Over SportsNet Programming (philly.com, 4/15)
    The Phillies are back, with high hopes and a couple big question marks named Utley and Howard.
  • FCC To Fine Google $25K Over Street View Affair (PCMAG.com, 4/15)
    The Federal Communications Commission this weekend alleged that Google "deliberately impeded and delayed" an FCC investigation into the way the search giant collected data from non-password protected Wi-Fi networks in the United States and abroad for its Street View project.
  • Standing Up To Cable Companies (SentinelandEnterprise.com, 4/14)
    Mayor Tom Menino and the city of Boston recently won a significant victory to protect consumers from rising cable television prices, and it should serve as inspiration for all municipalities trying to control rates where there is a lack of competition.
  • Judge Orders Comcast Trial In Antitrust Complaint (philly.com, 4/13)
    Philadelphia-area cable TV customers' nine-year-old Sherman Act complaint that Comcast's monopoly power kept competition out of the market and allowed it to overcharge consumers can go to trial, federal Judge John R. Padova Jr. ruled yesterday, after striking several arguments he said weren't supported by enough facts.
  • New Dodgers Owners To Confirm Time Warner Cable Not Involved (Los Angeles Times, 4/12)
    In a court filing Thursday, the team says Fox Sports will be assured that the rival cable company will be in no way involved in the purchase of the team. The sale is expected to be approved Friday.
  • FCC Ban On Political Ads On Public TV Struck Down (Chicago Tribune, 4/12)
    A divided U.S. appeals court struck down a federal ban on political advertising on public TV and radio stations, a decision that could open the public airwaves to a heavy dose of campaign ads leading up to the November elections.
  • The Future Of TV Sports (TVTechnology, 4/11)
    When the Miami Marlins officially opened their new stadium last week, the approximately 37,000 fans were able to experience the latest in state-of-the-art technology, from humongous hi-def screens with sophisticated audio systems to interactive attractions and more.
  • Portland Fox Affiliate At Odds With Internet TV Startup Skitter (Mutichannel News, 4/11)
    Internet TV startup Skitter -- which has launched a subscription service in Portland, Ore., offering 10 local TV channels streamed over broadband -- does not have permission to carry the signal of KPTV, the Fox affiliate in the market, station general manager Patrick McCreery said. But Skitter says it's operating within the letter of the law.
  • Fox, MLB File Objections To Dodgers Sale (The Seattle Times, 4/10)
    Fox is objecting to the proposed sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, saying the incoming ownership group that includes Magic Johnson has not disclosed whether Time Warner Cable is involved in the purchase.
  • Sen. Grassley: FCC Nominee Hold Remains In Force (Broadcasting & Cable, 4/10)
    Sen. Charles Grassley's hold on two FCC nominees continues pending more info from the FCC, the senator indicated in a statement from a spokesperson, while the Senator has made a new information request from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA).

For more ACA News visit the Newsroom on the ACA Website.



 About ACA  

ACA  
Across this vast country, small and rural markets participate in the digital revolution by receiving video, broadband, and phone services from nearly 850 small and medium-sized independent operators represented by the American Cable Association (ACA).

ACA’s members -- cable, phone, and fiber-to-the-home operators and municipalities -- deliver affordable basic and advanced services to about 7.4 million households and businesses. ACA members operate in every state, offering high-definition television, next generation Internet access, and digital phone service.

Access to advanced communications is not a luxury but a critical necessity for consumers and companies, schools and hospitals. America’s economic prosperity in smaller markets and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA members, who believe a connected nation, is a united nation.

The ACA asks lawmakers and regulators to ensure fair treatment so that small and medium-sized independent operators may continue to supply affordable video, broadband, and phone services to Main Street America. Through active participation in the policymaking process, ACA members and leaders advocate for the interests of their customers, their companies, and their communities to help ensure the continued viability of their way of life in hometown America.

For more information, visit www.americancable.org, or contact:

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