Media Contact: 
Katie Gorscak
katie.gorscak@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC BEGINS PROCEEDING TO EMPOWER CONSUMERS DURING CABLE & SATELLITE TV BLACKOUTS
Proposal Seeks Comment on Rebates for Consumers During TV Blackouts 
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WASHINGTON, January 17, 2024—Today, the Federal Communications Commission proposed  requiring rebates for consumers who face programming blackouts on their cable or satellite television subscription.  The Commission will seek public comment on this proposal.

Over the past decade, subscribers have faced an increasing number of programming blackouts because their cable operators and satellite television providers have failed to reach “retransmission consent” agreements for carriage of local broadcast stations with the licensees of those stations.  Even though those subscribers lose access to video programming that they expect to receive, they do not always receive a rebate for the loss of service.  The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on whether and how to require cable and satellite providers to issue rebates to subscribers in the event of a blackout.  

“When viewers lose the ability to watch the local news, their favorite show or sports team on their cable or satellite service because of a retransmission blackout, they are not getting what they paid for.  And that’s not right,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “That’s why we’re starting a conversation about the best way to ensure that when viewers turn on that screen, they get what they pay for.”

This proposal is the latest consumer protection effort from the FCC under Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  The Commission has also adopted and is implementing consumer labels for broadband services.  In addition, the Commission has also proposed requiring “all-in” pricing information in cable and satellite billing and promotional materials, and limiting junk fees – like early termination fees – on cable and satellite services.

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).