For Immediate Release
Contact: Ted Hearn
(202) 713-0826
[email protected]
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 6., 2019 – ACA Connects President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding legislation by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, that would extend the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization Act of 2014 (STELAR) for five years:
“ACA Connects appreciates and applauds Sen. Wicker’s actions to seek an extension of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization Act of 2014 (STELAR), because the worst thing that could happen to television viewers would be the elimination of the FCC’s ‘Good Faith’ rules if STELAR expired. The Good Faith rules provide protection for consumers that, if eliminated, will result in even higher retransmission consent demands by broadcasters for what they call “Free TV,” in even more broadcaster blackouts, and in even more harmful and costly tying and bundling arrangements.
“ACA Connects believes the Good Faith rules must be strengthened and expanded, including extension of the rules to buying groups, and that broadcasters’ efforts to control multiple stations in multiple markets must be limited. ACA Connects urges Congress to address necessary retransmission consent reform, elimination of outdated broadcast carriage regulations that harm consumers and competition and seek to update existing communications laws for the century.
“Fatigue is not on our agenda at ACA Connects, and we will work with all Members of Congress until the day this is accomplished.”
About ACA Connects – America’s Communications Association: Based in Pittsburgh, ACA Connects 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 Connects’ 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