Indie Programmers Need MVPD Retaliation Safeguards, GSN Says
A huge fear of independent programmers is that launching a complaint against a multichannel video programming distributor will result in multichannel video programming distributor retaliation, which is why FCC rules to block such indie programmer retaliation are needed, Game Show…
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Network CEO David Goldhill told an aide to Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, according to a GSN ex parte filing posted Wednesday in docket 16-41. GSN said it suggested the FCC bring back its standstill rule, through which the FCC could temporarily freeze the price, terms and other conditions of an existing contract up for renewal; clarify the burden of proof questions in the program complaint process; set up stricter time limits on the process; cut the length of discovery and give the Media Bureau more power to resolve questions of fact. The programmer also suggested combining the docket with other open program carriage dockets -- 07-42 and 11-131 -- "to put parties on notice that the Commission might adopt procedural changes to help ameliorate the retaliation process."