The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

FCC proposal would force cable companies to issue refunds during programming blackouts

Another would require pay TV providers to notify the FCC for blackouts that last longer than a day.

Another would require pay TV providers to notify the FCC for blackouts that last longer than a day.

The front of the Federal Communications Commission building in Washington, D.C. (FCC public domain image)
The front of the Federal Communications Commission building in Washington, D.C. (FCC public domain image)

The lead commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has circulated a pair of proposed rules that would require cable and satellite companies to issue refunds to customers due to programming-related service disruptions.

The proposal, made by FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel, would also require cable and satellite service providers to notify the agency if a programming-related blackout lasts longer than one full day.

“Enough with the blackouts,” Rosenworcel said in a statement on Wednesday. “When consumers with traditional cable and satellite service turn on the screen, they should get what they pay for. It’s not right when big companies battle it out and leave viewers without the ability to watch the local news, their favorite show, or the big game. If the screen stays dark, they deserve a refund.”

The proposals come at a time when programming-related disruptions impacting cable and satellite customers have increased in frequency. Pay television companies blame the disruptions on broadcast and cable channel owners, accusing them of demanding more money for the same programming. Broadcasters typically don’t dispute this, but generally say what they’re asking for reflects the fair market value of their channels.

The disputes are typically resolved within a few days or weeks when pay TV providers acquiesce to those higher fee demands. That, in turn, leads to higher bills for customers.

It wasn’t clear how the proposals offered by Rosenworcel on Wednesday would curb programming blackouts from starting in the first place. But it appeared to place a heavier burden on cable and satellite companies, while giving broadcasters more ammunition in their quest to squeeze more money out of pay TV subscribers.

The proposals would also mandate the practice of refunding customers during programming-related disruptions, which most cable and satellite companies already do on a voluntary basis.

The proposals will be put forward before the full board of commissioners. If approved, the FCC will open each proposal for public comment.

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering the business of television and radio broadcasting, streaming services and the overall media industry. In addition to his work as publisher of The Desk, Matthew contributes regularly to StreamTV Insider and KnowTechie, and has worked for several well-known news organizations, including Thomson Reuters, McNaughton Newspapers, Grasswire, Comstock's magazine, KTXL-TV and KGO-TV. Matthew is a member of IRE, a trade organization for investigative reporters and editors, and is based in Northern California.

Email: [email protected] | Signal: 530-507-8380