FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
June 14,2011
...JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Jo Ann Emerson
U.S. House ofRepresentatives
2230 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Emerson:
Thank you for your letter concerning the Commission's Notice ofProposed Rulemaking
to consider possible amendments to its rules governing retransmission consent negotiations
between television broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs).
appreciate your support ofthe Commission's action in this important matter. Your letter has
been placed in the record ofthe proceeding, and your views will be carefully considered.
As you note, there have been significant changes in the video programming marketplace
since the retransmission consent regime was adopted by Congress in 1992. Our goal in the
proceeding is to take a fresh look and update and clarify our rules within the scope ofthe current
statutory framework. We requested specific information regarding the concerns raised by small
MVPDs, such as those in your District, and will carefully evaluate the record before us.
The public comment period is scheduled to close on June 27, 2011. The Bureau then will
begin its review and make recommendations for the full Commission. We intend to complete
our review expeditiously.
If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000