Broadcasters Take FCC Regulation of 'Sidecar' Deals to Appeals Court

[dfergie]

The National Association of Broadcasters is challenging the FCC's presumption against transactions involving shared-service agreements. On Monday, the trade association filed a petition at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Known by industry insiders as "sidecar" pacts, shared-service agreements have been criticized as allowing media companies to skirt around regulatory rules set up to limit companies from owning more than one TV station in a local market.

hollywoodreporter.com

 

[Mr Tony]

we knew that would happen

Right now in Duluth that is how it is
NBC runs the CBS via a SSA. Now Granite (owner of NBC) wants to sell to Quincy Broadcasting and the CBS would go to their "SSA" partner SagamoreHill. There are only 5 full power non commercial stations (plus PBS) so of course the FCC doesnt like that.

 

[dfergie]

Artists And Internet CEOs Lobby FCC Over Possible Move To Reclassify The Web

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s leadership and negotiation skills are being tested ahead of a Thursday meeting when the agency is scheduled to consider his new net neutrality rules. He’s having trouble rallying fellow Democrats Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel to support a proposal that would limit “commercially unreasonable” practices by Internet providers — but would still enable them to create a so-called fast lane for companies willing to pay for speedy transmissions.

deadline.com