(Mar 14) In reply comments filed, NTCA recommended the Commission adopt the following safeguards governing any Next Gen TV station’s ability to license non-simulcast programming streams to another station via 1.0 technology: (1) require new programming to be delivered only via 3.0; (2) set a 5-year deadline for any rules allowing non-simulcast 1.0 multicast hosting arrangements; and (3) prohibit Next Gen TV station owners from requiring any new programming to be included in a retransmission consent agreement. NTCA pointed out that these safeguards are necessary to prevent broadcasters from using the transition to 3.0 signals to increase retransmission consent fees.
