DirecTV Explanations in Retrans Fight Don't Clarify, Broadcasters Say
DirecTV's claims that Campus Television is just its sales agent and third-party biller don't clear up what precisely is CTV's role in delivering video programming -- including two Erie, Pennsylvania, broadcasters' signals -- to nearby Edinboro University, Lilly Broadcasting of…
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Pennsylvania License Subsidiary and SJL of Pennsylvania License Subsidiary said in a filing Friday in docket 16-246. The two are the licensees, respectively, of WSEE-TV Erie and WICU-TV Erie and are pursuing a complaint with the FCC alleging CTV is reselling DirecTV signals without consent (see 1610040027). CTV "has asserted a wide range of roles" regarding video content delivery to Edinboro end users, Lilly/SJL said. The licensees also said the retransmission agreement with DirecTV doesn't give the direct broadcast satellite company right to retransmit the TV stations' signals to Edinboro on a bulk-billed basis, though DirecTV in a filing last month indicated it provides bulk programming services to the college. Lilly/SJL also asked the Media Bureau to continue an investigation and take action to ensure they receive compensation for the stations' retransmission to the college. DirectTV parent AT&T and CTV didn't comment Monday.