DEB FISCHER 
NEBRASKA 
The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Hnitcd ~tatcs ~cnatc 
WASHINGTON, DC 20510 
October9, 2014 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12th Street, SW 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
COMMITIŁES 
ARMED SERVICES 
COMMERCE. SCIENCE, AND 
TRANSPORTATION 
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC 
WORKS 
INDIAN AFFAIRS 
SMALL BUSINESS AND 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP 
I write regarding today's rapidly evolving video marketplace, specifically the challenges 
and opportunities it presents for many independent programmers and rural television 
viewers. As the Commission reviews video market competition and proposed industry 
consolidation, it should ensure that the public interest benefits resulting from a dynamic video 
market are maintained for citizens living in rural areas. The pending mergers before the 
Commission offer an opportunity to advance innovation, competition, and access to important 
content for all Americans. 
As you know, America's farmers and ranchers rely on rural -focused programming to 
receive important infonnation that helps them remain competitive in the global agricultural 
economy. Additionally, many hard-working American families want the voice of their rural 
communities represented as an option on their programming lineup. When multichannel video 
programming distributors grow, consumers in both rural and urban parts of the country should 
benefit from economies of scale. Those benefits should extend beyond next-generation products 
and platforms. They should also include meeting consumer demand for content that reflects 
uniquely rural interests. 
It is important that our nation's video market continues to improve access to 
programming. I ask that the Commission, when using its public interest standard, properly 
account for the importance of rural citizens and consider the effects of consolidation on 
independent programmers and their viewers. 
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. 
440 NORTH 8TH STAErT, SUITF, 120 
LtNCOl N, NE 58508 
(402) 441-4600 
\4021 476 8753 FAX 
Sincerely, 
Deb Fischer 
United States Senator 
htlp:l'hscher.senate.gov 
11819 Mt"A(I E HtllS OAIVF. SUITE 205 
OMAHA, NE 68154 
1402) 391 3411 
1402) 391-4725 FAX 
1086