November 16, 2017

ACA Urges Continued FCC Vigilance To Minimize Consumer Harm From ATSC 3.0 Transition

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16, 2017 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s vote to allow TV stations to adopt the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard:

“Today’s FCC vote marks the beginning of TV stations’ voluntary transition to the ‘Next Generation’ Broadcast Television Standard (ATSC 3.0). Although the order includes some measures that we had proposed in order to protect viewers, we’re disappointed that the FCC did not do more. Instead, the FCC chooses to rely on broadcasters’ assurances that they have ‘marketplace incentives’ to protect viewers from service loss and picture degradation.

“Likewise, the FCC relies on promises that cable carriage of these new signals will be truly ‘voluntary.’ Now we will see whether the broadcasters live up to their words. We’re going to hold broadcasters accountable, and we hope Congress and the FCC will do the same and take immediate corrective measures if and when broadcasters break their promises.”

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing about 750 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/