FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2014
Pay-TV Push to Eliminate ‘Lifeline Basic Tier’ Option for Consumers a ‘Greed-Driven Demand’
Washington, D.C. – The following statement was released by TVfreedom spokesman, Robert C. Kenny in response to the cable industry’s renewed push to force broadcast TV programming off of the ‘lifeline basic tier’ as part of today’s U.S. Senate Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee hearing on the reauthorization of STELA:
“It is unconscionable on the part of pay-TV to characterize the ‘lifeline basic tier’ programming option for consumers as somehow being ‘unfair’ and ‘duplicative’ in nature when it ultimately was established in the public interest. To this day, the ‘lifeline basic tier’ guarantees that the most vulnerable pay-TV consumers across America have access to broadcast TV.
“In reality, this pay-TV ploy represents yet another consumer rip-off and searing tactical play by the pay-TV industry to further lock in its regulatory advantage over broadcasters in the marketplace.
“Forcing the most popular stations off the ‘lifeline basic tier’ would harm consumers by ultimately making it more expensive for them to access local news, emergency information, and severe weather warnings that are only provided by broadcasters.
“We therefore ask lawmakers to set aside this greed-driven demand on the part of pay-TV as they move forward with deliberations to reauthorize STELA.”
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.