CNBC’s Becky Quick got the first comments from IAC Chairman and Aereo investor Barry Diller about the Supreme Court ruling against the streaming TV service. Quick caught up with Diller, who is out of the country, on the phone.
“I do think it is a big loss for consumers wanting an alternative to the bundle,” says Diller who was at the Supreme Court for the arguments in April. “We did try, but now it’s over.” Diller’s comments today echo what he’s been saying leading up to the decision, should Aereo lose.
Aereo CEO and Founder Chet Kanojia adds, “Today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court is a massive setback for the American consumer. We’ve said all along that we worked diligently to create a technology that complies with the law, but today’s decision clearly states that how the technology works does not matter. This sends a chilling message to the technology industry.”
Paul Clement, the attorney for the broadcasters, says, “Today’s decision is a victory for consumers. The Court has sent a clear message that it will uphold the letter and spirit of the law just as Congress intended.”
The petitioners in the case, American Broadcasting Companies v. Aereo, included American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.; Disney Enterprises, Inc.; CBS Broadcasting Inc.; CBS Studios Inc.; NBCUniversal Media, LLC; NBC Studios, LLC; Universal Network Television, LLC; Telemundo Network Group LLC; WNJU-TV Broadcasting LLC; WNET; Thirteen Productions, LLC; Fox Television Stations, Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; WPIX, LLC; Univision Television Group, Inc.; The Univision Network Limited Partnership; and Public Broadcasting Service.