PITTSBURGH, April 24, 2012 – ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement on today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing exploring the future of online video programming within the current legal and regulatory structure:
“ACA commends Sen. Rockefeller for convening today’s hearing to continue the Committee’s critical discussion on the distribution of video programming. ACA believes our existing laws governing this space are badly outdated and do not serve consumers in the manner they should expect in the 21st Century. Based upon the comments and questions we heard today, we believe many Senators feel the same way.
“We are pleased by the many comments of Senators in attendance that there is bipartisan awareness that the current regulatory regime is not keeping pace with changes in the market. Their interest in today’s hearing and their calls for further work by the Committee are precisely what our membership believes is necessary as well.
“ACA is hopeful that in subsequent hearings, lawmakers will discuss changes needed to today’s rules and regulations that will allow independent cable operators to offer consumers more choice and value in the selection of video programming, including innovative online services. Today, media giants that control broadcasting and cable programming assets do not provide any flexibility to offer consumers something other than a programming package stuffed with hundreds of channels they are required to purchase in order to view a handful of their favorite channels.”
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 7.4 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/