For Immediate Release
Contact: Ted Hearn
(202) 713-0826
[email protected]
PITTSBURGH, October 24, 2018 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement following the Federal Communications Commission’s adoption of an order yesterday that relieves broadcast stations of the obligation to submit paper copies of certain contracts to the FCC, but also strengthens broadcaster obligations to disclose these contracts online:
“ACA applauds the FCC for taking steps to require greater broadcaster disclosure online with respect to certain contracts that they must make available to the public. We are particularly pleased that the FCC adopted an ACA-backed proposal that broadcast stations be required to update their online inventory of required documents within 30 days of executing any new contract.
“With Sinclair recently trying to sell ‘sham’ divestitures to the FCC and the public, it’s as important as ever that contracts that relate to broadcast ownership and the control of stations remain accessible to the public.
“ACA is also pleased the FCC made clear broadcasters will not get away with over-redacting these contracts when handing them over to the public. The FCC clarified that broadcasters must leave non-confidential and non-proprietary information unredacted in any contracts they make available to the public, and that they are prohibited from providing different redactions to different parties requesting them. The FCC also properly made clear that parties may challege redactions by broadcasters, and that such challenges will be resolved in a timely manner.”
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing more than 700 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, phone and video services to nearly 8 million customers 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/