"We have decided to pause our operations temporarily as we consult with the court and map out our next steps," Aereo's Chief Executive Officer Chet Kanojia wrote in a letter to customers posted on its website Saturday.
Aereo Suspends Service After SCOTUS Ruling
NEW YORK (AP) — Online-streaming service Aereo Inc. is temporarily closing down its operation, three days after it was dealt an unfavorable ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“We have decided to pause our operations temporarily as we consult with the court and map out our next steps,” Aereo’s Chief Executive Officer Chet Kanojia wrote in a letter to customers posted on its website Saturday.
“The spectrum that the broadcasters use to transmit over the air programming belongs to the American public and we believe you should have the right to access that live programming whether your antenna sits on the roof of your home, on top of your television or in the cloud.”
The Supreme Court dealt Aereo, backed by Barry Diller, a major setback on Wednesday in ruling that the television-over-the-Internet service operates much like a cable TV company. As a result, the service violates copyright law unless Aereo pays broadcasters licensing fees for offering TV stations to customers’ tablets, phones and other gadgets.
But although the Supreme Court expressed its thinking on the law, it’s the U.S. District Court in New York that must issue a preliminary injunction stopping the service, as requested by broadcasters.
Comments (8)
Ellen Samrock says:
June 28, 2014 at 5:15 pm
This press release is a bit disingenuous. Maybe the spectrum belongs to the public (although it more likely belongs to the government who has assumed the right to sell it to the powerful telcos) but the content which broadcasters deliver over the air does not, nor does it belong to Aereo to re-sell. It seems Chet didn’t read the SCOTUS ruling carefully enough.
robert russo says:
June 29, 2014 at 1:54 am
If Aereo was a free service, I’d agree. But it’s reselling and trying to make cash off others’ content. Disingenuous is a good word.
Joe Jaime says:
June 29, 2014 at 12:39 am
so be it… nice try
Joe Jaime says:
June 29, 2014 at 12:42 am
as a follow up… Aereo was always a cheap shot..RIP Barry
Joe Jaime says:
June 29, 2014 at 12:54 am
Barry should of said ” let’s do this together” instead he tried a end run and got sidelined… not that smart Barry.
Keith ONeal says:
June 30, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Aereo had no Plan B. Any business worth its salt would not only have a Plan A; it would also have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C) as well. R.I.P., Aereo.
Warren Harmon says:
June 30, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Celebrate the Courts finding DILLER’s AEREO for what it is THEFT, it will be great to see the Networks, Stations and Content Providers bankrup Diller for his THEFT. Two years of stolen programming ought to drain him and his investors of BIG cash. AEREO=THEFT
Wagner Pereira says:
July 1, 2014 at 12:51 am
Another person showing their lack of “knowledge” concerning Individual Protection in Corporations and Corporate Law.