FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2014
TVfreedom.org Statement on Proposed STELA Reauthorization Legislation
Washington, D.C. – In response to reports of new legislation supported by the cable industry that could force popular broadcast TV programming off of the basic cable tier, the following statement can be attributed to TVFreedom spokesman, Robert C. Kenny:
“We are outraged by stealth efforts of pay-TV to eliminate consumer access to broadcast TV on the basic cable tier. Forcing the most popular stations off this ‘basic-lifeline-cable-tier’ could deprive customers of local news, emergency information, and severe weather warnings that are only provided by broadcasters. This bad deal being driven by pay-TV interests will most severely impact Latinos, seniors and lower-income families who are most heavily reliant on over-the-air broadcast and basic tier TV when disaster strikes.
“This is another consumer rip-off that allows pay-TV companies to take broadcast programming away from people who already have it – then charge them more money to get it back. Only in Washington would the word ‘reform’ be associated with a proposal that would restrict consumer access to vital local TV channels and result in more price gouging by pay-TV providers.”
See link to upcoming March 5, 2014 U.S. House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing on the Reauthorization of the Satellite TV Extension and Localism Act (STELA): http://1.usa.gov/1pEyHZ1
About Us
TVfreedom.org, is a coalition of local broadcasters, community advocates, network television affiliate associations, multicast networks, manufacturers and other independent broadcaster-related organizations committed to helping protect consumer interests, ensure emergency and weather related programming access, promote the value of broadcast-TV programming, and preserve a fair and free video marketplace. In the coming weeks and months, the coalition will look to add to its charter membership and will work closely with consumer and community groups, as well as public safety and law enforcement organizations.