FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2014
TVFreedom.org Members Voice Strong Opposition To Senate Commerce Committee Video Bill
Coalition members take issue with the “Local Choice” components of the STAVRA legislation
Washington, D.C. – Four TVFreedom.org coalition members sent individual letters to congressional leadership today opposing the passage of proposed video reform legislation known as the Satellite Television Access and Viewer Rights Act (STAVRA).
Each of the organizations, including the Rural Agriculture Council of America (RACA), the National Black Religious Broadcasters (NBRB), The Hispanic Institute (THI) and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), highlighted their respective concerns with the “Local Choice” components of the legislation, which would transition all local broadcast TV channels to an à la carte menu on cable and satellite TV systems for subscribers to choose from.
The following are excerpts from the each of the Coalition member letters to Congress today urging them vote against the passage of the “Local Choice” components of the STAVRA legislation:
Jack Alexander, President, RACA, wrote: “Corralling local TV stations separately from cable network programming and asking pay-TV subscribers to pick and choose the broadcast TV channels they want to watch will drive down viewers and ultimately cost these stations advertising revenues. Under this highly plausible scenario, the Local Choice components of the legislation will be costly for consumers, hundreds of local TV broadcasters and our own local businesses that advertise on these channels.”
Reverend Sheldon Williams, President, NBRB, wrote: “Faith-based broadcasters – especially broadcasters of color – depend greatly on the basic tier to reach key audiences, regardless of socioeconomic status. At its very heart, the pending Local Choice proposal strips local television from the basic tier of programming that is vital, needed and wanted by television viewers all across the country. And it does so at a higher cost to consumers – many of them the consumers we serve.”
Gus West, President, THI, wrote: “Studies have shown that under an a la carte model, minority ownership and diversity programming do not survive and monthly cable bills rise rapidly, costing consumers. This is a concern for our organization and the Latino community we represent. For years we have fought for inclusion only to find legislative proposals that threaten to undermine this progress. We are certain this was not your intent in crafting this proposal, but we believe it would be best for Latinos across the country if Local Choice was simply blacked out.”
James L. Winston, Executive Director, NABOB, wrote: “Without widely-available programming geared toward minority communities, it would be even more difficult for Americans to tune in and educate themselves with ideas or cultures they may not encounter on a daily basis. In order for diverse programming to thrive – and in fact survive – in America, bills like ‘Local Choice’ must not become law.”
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.