Center for Boundless Innovation in Technology Executive Director...

Center for Boundless Innovation in Technology Executive Director Fred Campbell attacked multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) attempts to turn the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act reauthorization process into a vehicle for a video market overhaul. He released a white paper on the issue Thursday (http://bit.ly/1i2tym9). It posited that the “ultimate goal of retransmission consent ‘reform’ is to kill free over-the-air television so that MVPDs can appropriate TV station advertising revenue for themselves.” Such overhaul should be debated as part of the Communications Act overhaul process, not “rushed” through the STELA process, he said. STELA expires at the end of the year unless Congress reauthorizes it. Campbell’s paper attacked several proposed pay-industry tweaks that have been brought up during the STELA debates. The “must carry” provisions don’t impact retrans negotiations, nor do TV stations have unfair bargaining power, Campbell contended. Retrans consent prices are not excessive, he said.