May 8, 2014

ACA Praises House Energy & Commerce Committee Leaders For Their Pro-Consumer STELA Compromise Bill

PITTSBURGH, May 8, 2014 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding the pending vote by the House Energy & Commerce Committee to reauthorize the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) with key pro-consumer reforms:

“ACA is very pleased with the STELA bill that is expected to receive approval from the full Energy & Committee on Thursday.  ACA believes that the rules governing the retransmission consent marketplace need a major overhaul, and we’re very pleased to support the Committee’s STELA compromise bill that moves in the right direction regarding reform of the 22-year-old rules, which in no way reflect today’s market conditions.

“ACA wants to thank for their hard work and cooperative spirit the following Energy & Commerce leaders: Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), full Committee ranking member Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Or.), Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Rep. Bob Latta (R-Oh.), and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.).”

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 nearly 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/