iinitro~tatts~cnatf WASHINGTON. DC 20510 January 24,2012 The Honorable Julius Genachowski Federal Communications Commission 445 12 Street, SW Room8B201 Washington, DC 20554 JIJ- Dear Chairman Genachowski, I have heard from many constituents affected by the ongoing dispute between DirecTV and Sunbeam Television Corporation regarding the amount the satellite provider must pay to continue transmitting broadcast networks. I write to urge you to help bring these parties to prompt, equitable resolution that restores service to their customers. Through no fault oftheir own, paying subscribers have become bargaining chips in these negotiations and are being denied access to local news, TV shows, sporting events and other valuable programming. While I understand these negotiations are private, I ask that you use all tools at your disposal to help mediate this dispute. It is essential for consumers in New Hampshire that the two parties reach an accord immediately. II Ifthe dispute is not resolved in the coming days, thousands ofNew Hampshire sports fans~ll be unable to watch the New England Patriots compete in the Super Bowl. This is unfair not pnly to individual viewers but to business establishments across the state. The restaurants ands~rts bars that subscribe to these local stations stand to lose much-needed revenue. During this' e of economic recovery, the last thing these small businesses need is an empty house on game da . I urge you to help resolve this matter quickly and fairly. Thank you for your attention to this 'I time-sensitive issue. As you know, negotiations between Sunbeam and DirectTV have reached an impasse, and Sunbeam has "blacked out" reception to NBC and the CW Network in the Greater Boston metropolitan area. There are currently 200,000 DirectTV customers affected, including mo than 30,000 New Hampshire residents who subscribe to the satellite provider. I I Sincerely, ~- Jeanne Shahccn United States Senator