Programmers Concerned With ATSC 3.0 NPRM

Eight independent programmers expressed concern with the FCC draft NPRM on ATSC 3.0, said a letter to the FCC posted in docket 16-142. The agency should address concerns that the American Cable Association recently raised about carrier capacity to carry the new standard (see 1702140065), said the programmers, which include Aspire Channel, Cinémoi, Herring Networks, MAVTV Motorsports Network, Ride Television Network and KSE Media Ventures on behalf of the Outdoor Channel and other such programmers. “As programmers unaffiliated with the largest conglomerates, our offerings will be at particular risk should the transition to ATSC 3.0 compel [multichannel video programming distributors] to eliminate cable channels” because of a carriage squeeze, the programmers said. Independent programmers “would likely be the first to go in systems where capacity is limited,” the letter said. “Such an outcome should concern anyone interested in preserving the diversity of media voices.” ACA met with aides to Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Mike O’Rielly on similar issues Thursday, said an ex parte filing.