News Release 08/11/14

CONTACT
Robert C. Kenny
(202) 412-0976
@TVFreedomOrg | @RKennyTVfreedom





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2014

TVfreedom.org Comes Out In Opposition to Sen. Rockefeller/Thune Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C, August 11, 2014 – TVfreedom.org Director of Public Affairs, Robert C. Kenny, issued the following statement regarding the new legislative proposal, LOCAL CHOICE, by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-WV) and Ranking Member Senator John Thune (R-SD):

“This last minute proposal by Senators Rockefeller and Thune fails to address cable and satellite TV’s deceptive billing practices, excessive equipment rental fees and surprise charges fueled by market failures that result in increasing monthly pay-TV bills for consumers. Instead, it curiously targets America’s most-watched programming — broadcast TV — as the culprit for rising cable bills even though these channels collectively amount to a pittance on the price of a monthly pay-TV bill. This approach fails to offer consumers real programming choices or serious economic relief, yet forces them to continue overpaying for rarely watched cable channels such as Spike TV and TruTV. Poll after poll shows Americans are fed up with pay-TV business practices. Unfortunately, this proposal offers little solace for beleaguered viewers.”

***

Please also visit the TVfreedom.org YouTube web page to watch consumer-friendly videos aimed at pushing back on the pay-TV industry’s gamesmanship in the marketplace and the ongoing abusive billing and business practices hurting consumers.

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.