PITTSBURGH, July 22, 2013 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s most recent video competition report:
“ACA commends the Federal Communications Commission for acknowledging in its 15th Annual Video Competition Report that the number of cable systems operating nationwide is decreasing, and for including evidence that hundreds of small cable systems have ceased offering service in their communities. Although the report indicates that the FCC has not collected data on the reasons why these cable systems have ceased operations, it acknowledges that small systems lack scale economies enjoyed by larger competitors. With facts about the number of these small system closures now being reported by the expert agency, policymakers should take greater note of the economic fragility of small cable systems, and take this into account when considering adoption of new rules and regulations that impose disproportionate burdens on them. ACA also praises the FCC for reporting on the current retransmission consent market in more depth, including noting that separately owned, same-market broadcasters are coordinating their retransmission consent negotiations.”
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing about 850 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/