News & Commentary New
York Pols Push Bill to End TV Blackouts
By Swanni
Washington, D.C.
(February 7,
2012) -- While federal officials
in Washington pay lip service to ending TV blackouts caused by
programming disputes, a handful of New York state senators are
actually trying to do something about it.
Spurred by the ongoing fee fight between Time Warner Cable and
MSG, which has denied cable viewers in New York an opportunity
to watch pro basketball and hockey broadcasts, three NY senators
have co-sponsored legislation that would force TV programmers
and pay TV providers to enter arbitration if they can not reach
a new agreement.
The legislation would require the two sides to keep the disputed
channels on the air until the arbitrator makes his decision. As
fee fights now go, the programmer usually pulls his channel from
the TV provider's lineup when an agreement expires. The channel
is often not returned until the two companies reach a new deal.
If they reach a new deal, that is.
"In Western New York we are not
able watch Buffalo Sabres hockey games on television if you have
Time Warner Cable due to these unfair negotiations," New York
State Senator Mark Grisanti, a co-sponsor, said in a news
release yesterday. "Since terms cannot be reached we want the
public service commission to amend the law so that the parties
must conduct an arbitration."
In recent years, there have been dozens of fee fights between
programmers and providers, often leading to channel blackouts.
Federal officials, including U.S. senators and House members,
often issue press releases criticizing the situation but, to
date, have not pushed legislation that would force a resolution
that would keep the channels on the air during negotiations. The
Federal Communications Commission, who some observers believe
could intervene in fee fights, also has not enacted any new
rules to eliminate them.
But Grisanti says someone needs to stand up for the consumer.
"It is essential we take the lead on this issue," said Grisanti.
"In the State of New York we need to negotiate fairly so we do
not leave viewers in the dark. By requiring arbitration, this
will ensure these negotiations are done in a fair and timely
manner so that all parties come out successful."
Commentary
Kudos to the New York state senators! The Washington bozos are
only pretending to care about these blackouts, but the New York
guys are taking action. I don't know if their bill will pass,
but bully to them for giving it the college try.
What say you, Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the Senate
subcommittee that oversees the FCC? Can you be inspired by
what's going on in New York -- and do something for a change?!
