Retrans Record—Same Song Still Playing as DBS Ops Feel Heat

This week retrans feuds popped up between DirecTV and Sinclair as well as DISH and broadcaster Grant Group. There could be a new catalyst for reform talk. With Congress again considering extending STELA (the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act or whatever they’re calling it this go-round), the whole argument over retrans rules could come up again, former FCC chmn/Wiley Rein chmn Dick Wiley predicted Tues at a Hudson Institute luncheon. Wiley, whose firm reps both broadcasters and cable ops, believes the rules should be left alone. Find out what he thinks the real problem is and read more on the potential DirecTV and Sinclair retrans fight.

More top stories in today's CableFAX Daily:

 

The tech consolidation continues with Harmonic selling its cable access business (optical transmitters, amplifiers, receivers and nodes) to Aurora Networks for $46mln in cash.

 

Nat Geo’s 1st scripted drama, “Killing Lincoln,” delivered a 2.6 HH rating Sun. More on the numbers here.

 

Read programming news on Floyd Mayweather, Discovery and ESPN Films.