FCC Adopts TV Blackout Reporting Requirements

Excerpt:  “In this Report and Order (Order), we require the reporting of broadcast station blackouts lasting over 24 hours that occur on cable and satellite TV platforms due to a retransmission consent negotiation impasse. The light-touch reporting framework we adopt today requires public reporting of the beginning and resolution of any qualifying blackout and confidential submission of information about the number of subscribers affected. This reporting will fill a basic information gap in the Commission’s awareness of such blackouts, ensuring that the Commission receives prompt and accurate information about critical multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) service disruptions involving broadcast stations when they occur. In addition, the creation of a centralized, Commission-hosted database of basic blackout information will increase transparency around the frequency and duration of broadcast station blackouts for the public.”