Broadcasters Howl Over Proposed Changes to Carriage Rules

Add-ons could kick them off basic cable tier

Broadcasters are girding for a knock-down drag-out fight over a parade of horribles that might be added to the reauthorization of a little-known cable law commonly known as "Stela." The add-ons currently being negotiated between House GOP members on the commerce committee could change the rules of retransmission consent negotiations and result in broadcasters being knocked off basic cable tiers.

Stela—the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act—allows satellite operators Dish and DirecTV to carry network affiliate stations from outside subscribers' markets when subscribers in the market can't pick up the local signals over-the-air.

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