PITTSBURGH, September 16, 2008 – In reply comments filed with the Copyright Office today (available here), the American Cable Association (ACA) voiced its opposition to the agency’s proposal that would require cable operators to pay additional royalty payments for digital multicasts.
In its filing, the ACA stated that implementing the Copyright Office’s proposed changes would not only significantly increase royalty payments, a cost burden that would be passed on to customers, but also would add multiple layers of complexity to the Statement of Account and impose new and expansive reporting burdens.
ACA’s comments were submitted to the Copyright Office as part of the agency’s current rulemaking on proposed changes related to the retransmission of digital broadcast signals under the cable statutory license.
“The digital television transition is only a change in transmission technology – nothing about the switch indicates that the new technology should result in changes to the compulsory license scheme,” stated Matthew M. Polka, ACA president and CEO. “The Copyright Office should adopt rules and policies that preserve the status quo and ensure a smooth transition to digital.”
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About the American Cable Association
Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing 1,100 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies that 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 www.americancable.org.