PITTSBURGH, December 12, 2013 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding introduction of the Video CHOICE (Consumers Have Options In Choosing Entertainment) Act of 2013 by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Ranking Member of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, to eliminate broadcast television blackouts and give consumers greater flexibility to choose the channels they receive each month from their cable, satellite or other pay-TV provider.
“ACA applauds Reps. Eshoo and Lofgren for introducing a bill that will provide relief to consumers harmed by outdated retransmission consent rules that broadcasters’ relentlessly abuse, highlighted by a record number of TV signal blackouts and escalating price demands well in excess of inflation.
“Retransmission consent was created by law, and ACA respects these lawmakers’ judgment that consumers should have the right to receive cable television service without also being forced to purchase the broadcast stations that elect retransmission consent.
“The bill gives consumers this choice, bringing pay-TV into the 21st century marketplace where consumers receive this sort of choice from other media. ACA believes that support for the Eshoo-Lofgren bill is essential to ending the regulatory asylum broadcasters have exploited for decades.”
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/