JESSELL AT LARGE
Washington Heats Up During Retrans Week
My big takeaway from this week’s congressional hearings on the state of retransmission consent is that broadcasters’ opposition is making progress, at least in convincing Congress that a problem exists. Judging by lawmakers’ comments, I would say there is growing concern about the blackouts that periodically deprive constituents of their favorite broadcast TV shows.
But no clear consensus emerged during a House judiciary subcommittee hearing on what should be done about the blackouts. “Our constituents aren’t shy about telling us to do something about problems in the marketplace that deprive them of their favorite shows,” said Rep. Howard Coble (R-N.C.), chairman of the House judiciary subcommittee.
