How's This For A Solution to Retransmission Consent Blackouts?

[Jack 1000]

I read an interesting comment on the Net about the blackouts that I would like to share:

Since ALL third party providers (Cable, Dish, U-Verse, Direct TV) are subject to Retransmission Consent Contract negotiation problems, I read a solution on which I would like community input where the following steps would be applied during a retransmission consent dispute:

1.) The 1992 Cable Regulatory Act is updated to PROHIBIT THE BLACKOUT OF ANY STATIONS DURING THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS.  This would stop customers and companies from losing stations while negotiations happen.  It would keep Retransmission Consent in the boardrooms, where it belongs.

2.) During the negotiation phase no matter how long or short it is, stations stay on, and companies would pay the station owners the old rate until a fair agreement is reached.

3.) When a new agreement is reached, that is fair and reasonable for the customers and station owners, it becomes part of the new deal.  Than every three to five years, just repeat the first three steps.

Under this system, stations stay on for customers.  Subscribers don't lose their shows, and the old rates stay in effect until reasonable new rates are agreed to by all parties.

Blacking out shows at a customer's expense should be a violation of federal law.  What do you think about this process?

Jack

[ddeerrff]

I think you already know my opinion on this 'Retransmission Consent" on for otherwise free OTA stations, but whatever.

IRT your suggestion, what is to keep the distribution provider from just never coming to an agreement with the content provider?  The rate would stay at the original rate forever.  The only real power the content provider has it their ability to go on strike - to remove their consent to distribute..