WTA Replies to Comments on Retransmission Consent Reform

Today, WTA submitted reply comments in the FCC’s proceeding to review its totality of the circumstances test for good faith in retransmission consent negotiations. Building on its initial comments from other stakeholders in the record, WTA argues that the FCC has the duty, as a result of changes in the marketplace for multichannel video programming distribution services since 1992 and the directive from Congress to “commence a rulemaking” regarding retransmission consent, to adopt reforms to its rules to address skyrocketing retransmission consent costs and increase transparency in the marketplace. Among other reforms, WTA proposes prohibiting broadcast stations from demanding monetary compensation for consumers that are unable to obtain broadcast signals over-the-air and Commission review of retransmission consent agreements in order to obtain an accurate understanding of current marketplace dynamics.