The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Fcderal Communication Commission
445 12'11 Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
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WASHINGTON OFFICE
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GREGORY W. MEEKS
6TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK
August 11,2010
COMMITTeES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
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Dear Chairman Genachowski,
Many of the existing retransmission consent agreements between multichannel video
programming distributors ("MVPDs") and broadcasters are set to expire within the next few
weeks. Ifthc parties cannot reach timely agreements, millions ofNew York residents could be
left without access to programming.
Television viewers are undoubtedly harmed when channels are taken off the air due to a failure
lo reach compromise; however, simply the public threat ofa station taking their signal off the air
can cause complications that will adversely affect consumers also. While I understand the
process for negotiating retransmission consent agreements takes time and can be a complex
process, I am concerned about the continued uncertainty as to whether widely viewed programs
will be available to millions ofconsumers in New York.
I would urge the Federal Communications Commission to begin to look at revising the rules by
which retransmission consent agreements are considered. The means by which retransmission
consent agreements are negotiated should be examined to determine how best to ensure that the
interests ofconsumers are protected ifand when retransmission consent negotiations reach an
impasse. While 1 would urge the Commission to direct a process to review the current system, I
would also encourage that it be done in such a way so as not to hinder localism, diversity, and
competition.
Thank you for consideration of thi important legislative matter. Should you have any questions,
please free to contact my office.
Sincerely,
2EfiL~
Member of Congress
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