TVfreedom.org member ZGS Communications, one of the leading minority broadcasters and the largest independent broadcast TV affiliate of the Telemundo network, has filed public comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to highlight the fact that, for years, DirecTV has systematically denied the Hispanic community access to its local stations (letter filed as part of the proceeding on the proposed AT&T/DirecTV merger (MB Docket No. 14-90)). By withholding carriage to ZGS stations, DirecTV is denying local TV service to millions of Latino subscribers in major television markets.
ZGS is requesting that the FCC look closely at this issue and encourage more flexibility on DirecTV’s part and, if necessary, take affirmative steps to facilitate further talks between ZGS and DirecTV regarding this outstanding matter.
Ronald Gordon, CEO, ZGS Communications, said, “It’s only fair and right that DirecTV offer the Latino community the same level of commitment and service that it offers to all of its other subscribers. Therefore, the commission should broker a mutually-acceptable settlement between DirecTV and DirecTV’s successor (AT&T) and ZGS, contemplating retransmission of ZGS’ (local broadcast TV) stations in every market prior to federal approval of the proposed merger.
“AT&T ought to take cognizance of the needs and interests of the Latino community it will serve and the significance of the local programming our stations offer should the merger be approved.”
You may review the full letter here.
