Enacts the "television subscriber choice act" to enhance consumer choice and ensure that multichannel video programming distributors have the flexibility to offer programming packages that best meet the needs and preferences of their subscribers; requires that a video programmer shall offer each channel for license to a multichannel video programming distributor without requiring channel bundling requirements as a condition of carriage of such channel; makes it unlawful for a video programmer to demand unreasonable fees or other financial obligations for channel carriage; defines terms; makes related provisions.
Summary
Bill A05870, known as the "television subscriber choice act," aims to amend the general obligations law to enhance consumer choice in the video programming market. It seeks to eliminate practices such as channel bundling and minimum penetration provisions that restrict multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) from offering flexible programming packages. By requiring video programmers to offer channels without bundling and prohibiting unreasonable fees, the bill intends to foster a more competitive and consumer-friendly video distribution market.
Impact
The bill will significantly impact the agreements between multichannel video programming distributors and video programmers by prohibiting certain restrictive practices. It will amend existing laws to ensure that MVPDs can negotiate more favorable terms that align with consumer preferences, potentially leading to lower costs and increased access to diverse programming options. This change is expected to reshape the landscape of video programming distribution in New York State.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A05870 appears to be generally positive, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding limited choices and high costs associated with current video programming agreements. However, there may be some opposition from video programmers who benefit from the existing bundling practices and may view the bill as a threat to their revenue models.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential pushback from video programmers who may argue that bundling and minimum penetration provisions are necessary for their business models. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the impact of the bill on the revenue streams of smaller video programmers who rely on these practices to maintain profitability. The debate may center around balancing consumer choice with the financial viability of content providers.
Same As
Enacts the "television subscriber choice act" to enhance consumer choice and ensure that multichannel video programming distributors have the flexibility to offer programming packages that best meet the needs and preferences of their subscribers; requires that a video programmer shall offer each channel for license to a multichannel video programming distributor without requiring channel bundling requirements as a condition of carriage of such channel; makes it unlawful for a video programmer to demand unreasonable fees or other financial obligations for channel carriage; defines terms; makes related provisions.
Enacts the "television subscriber choice act" to enhance consumer choice and ensure that multichannel video programming distributors have the flexibility to offer programming packages that best meet the needs and preferences of their subscribers; requires that a video programmer shall offer each channel for license to a multichannel video programming distributor without requiring channel bundling requirements as a condition of carriage of such channel; makes it unlawful for a video programmer to demand unreasonable fees or other financial obligations for channel carriage; defines terms; makes related provisions.
Stop Sports Blackouts ActThis bill requires cable and satellite broadcast providers to issue rebates to customers who are denied access to video programming included in their subscription because of programming negotiations. Specifically, where a provider’s negotiations related to the retransmission or carriage of video programming result in the provider failing to offer access to programming included in a customer’s subscription, the customer must be issued a rebate for the affected period. The Federal Communications Commission is directed to issue rules to this effect, including to establish the appropriate amount for such a rebate.
Prohibiting video streaming services from transmitting commercial advertisements with the audio louder than that of the main video streaming content in which such advertisement is placed.
A bill for an act relating to the audio volume of commercial advertisements provided by a video streaming service, and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 3012.)