ACAction Brief - your connection to news and initiatives
ACA Public Issue – August 16, 2012 

 Key Developments  

ACA Urges Copyright Office To Scrap Its Cost-Shifting Audit Proposal

 
The American Cable Association called on the Copyright Office to craft regulations that will minimize the costs for cable operators, especially smaller ones, in the event copyright owners demand audits of royalty payments submitted by Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs).

"Audits are burdensome, particularly for the audited party, and can include a lengthy back-and-forth process that would likely involve a significant amount of operator and auditor time. ACA urges the Copyright Office not to adopt rules that could result in cable operators, especially those that are small, being forced to foot the bill for these programmer-initiated audits," ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.

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Reform Of Discrete USF Contribution Regime Problems Must Be FCC's Priority

 
The American Cable Association urged the Federal Communications Commission to fix identified problems with the current Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution system while continuing to collect data and information on the harms and benefits of expanding the base to include broadband before deciding on the best course of action going forward.

"ACA believes the FCC should take full advantage of this opportunity to relieve smaller contributors and potential contributors of the burdens of compliance under current regulations. Meanwhile, before fundamentally changing the current regime by expanding the assessable base or altering the collection methodology, the FCC needs to gather additional and sufficient evidence," ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.

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  News Headlines


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 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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