VERN BUCHANAN COMMITIEE ON WAYS AND MEANS O" SrRICT 16. FLORIDA TAX-WRITING COMMITTEE SUBCOMMI ITE(S: FLORIDA DELEGATION TRADE RtPUBLICAN l.EAOFR CO-CHAIR HEALTH <trnngr.ess nf tft.e Unit.eh .§tat.es 1inu.a.e of l!l.epr.e.a.entatiu.e.a 455 July 11, 2019 llla.aqington, llC!I 2ll515-ll911i AjitPai Chairman Federal Communications Com.mission 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Mr. Pai: I am writing to express concern that communities in my congressional district have experienced blackouts of local television stations due to failed contract negotiations between AT&T/DIRECTV and Nexstar Media Group. As of 11:59 p.m. on July 3, AT&T/DIRECTV subscribers in Tampa Bay are no longer able to view broadcast stations WFLA, NBC, and WTfA. Th.is widespread blackout comes a year after a historic acquisition by AT&T of Time Warner, and six months after they raised subscription prices on consumers for DIRECTV and DIREC"TV NOW. Furthermore, it was particularly poorly-timed: during the July 4th holiday when families gather to watch fireworks, concerts, and other special community programming; before the US Women's National Soccer Team's historic World Cup finals game on Sunday, July 7; and the same day as a massive earthquake in Southern California. According to WFLA and WITA, DIRECTV requested that my constituents be "kept in the dark" about the pending contract expiration. Furthermore, DIRECTV/ AT& T reportedly did not accept Nexstar's offer for a short 30-day extension, which would have protected our constituents from a July 4th blackout of network shows, special events, sports, and local news while the parties continued negotiating a new agreement. I urge the FCC to take any appropriate action to help ensure that AT&T/DIRECI'V acts in the public interest and that Nextstar receives fair and equitable treatment in their efforts to provide news, sports, entertainment and other local programing to my constituents. Sincerely, Vern Buchanan Member of Congress J 11 South Orange Avenue 1051 Manal~e Av.:nuc Wesl 2427 Rayburn House Office Building Suite 202W Suicc 305 wa,hington. DC 20515 Sara.,ota, FI. 34236 Bradcmon. FL 34205 (202) 225- 5015 (941) 951-6643 (941) 747- 9081 !"ax: (202) 22(H)828 Fax:l941)95J- 2972 Fax: (941) 748-1564 www.buchanan.house.gov