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Pay TV alliance asks FCC to reconsider aspects of next-gen TV order

As broadcasters move forward on implementing next-generation technology and standards, a coalition of pay TV operators and consumer groups is asking the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider its order authorizing the move.

The American Television Alliance — the coalition that includes consumer groups, cable companies, satellite operators, telcos and independent programmers — recently petitioned the FCC to revisit three aspects of its 2017 order authorizing the implementation of the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, also known as Next Gen TV.

Specifically, the group asked the agency to reconsider its decision not to require separate negotiations when pay TV providers are asked for the first time to carry ATSC 3.0 signals. It argued that if the ATSC 3.0 transition is to be "truly 'voluntary' for all parties," broadcasters should not be able to obtain carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals "by threatening existing television service." In other words, the group is concerned an impasse in negotiations over carriage of next-generation signals might result in the blackout of existing ATSC 1.0 signals.

Additionally, the coalition said the FCC should reconsider its decision allowing broadcasters to degrade their ATSC 1.0 signals without advance warning to viewers or pay TV providers as part of the transition to ATSC 3.0.

The new ATSC 3.0 standard is expected to combine over-the-air transmission and internet-delivered content. The FCC's November 2017 order allows TV broadcasters to use ATSC 3.0 on a voluntary basis, but it also requires any broadcaster using the new standard to provide a simulcast in the current digital television transmission standard for five years.