Must-carry rules

Definition

Must-carry rules are regulations that require cable and satellite providers to include certain local broadcast television stations in their channel lineup. These rules ensure that viewers have access to essential local content, such as news, weather, and emergency information, by mandating that these stations are not excluded from distribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Must-carry rules were established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1972 to protect local broadcasters and ensure they remain accessible to viewers.
2. Under must-carry rules, cable operators are required to carry all qualified local commercial television stations and certain public broadcasting stations.
3. Broadcasters have the option to choose between must-carry provisions or negotiating retransmission consent agreements with cable operators.
4. Must-carry regulations primarily benefit smaller, independent local stations, ensuring they maintain visibility and can compete with larger networks.
5. Viewers can complain to the FCC if they find that a local broadcaster is not being carried by their cable or satellite provider, prompting potential investigations.

Review Questions

• How do must-carry rules impact local broadcasters and the competitive landscape of television?
  • Must-carry rules significantly benefit local broadcasters by ensuring they are included in cable and satellite lineups, which helps them reach viewers without being marginalized by larger networks. This regulation creates a more competitive landscape by allowing smaller stations to maintain visibility and continue providing essential local content. As a result, viewers have better access to diverse programming and important information relevant to their communities.
• Discuss the implications of must-carry rules on the negotiations between local broadcasters and cable providers regarding retransmission consent.
  • Must-carry rules influence negotiations by offering broadcasters a choice between automatic inclusion on cable platforms or pursuing retransmission consent agreements for compensation. This dual system can lead to tension, as some broadcasters may opt for retransmission consent to secure revenue, potentially resulting in disputes or temporary blackouts for viewers. Ultimately, these negotiations affect how audiences access local programming and highlight the balance of power between content creators and distributors.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of must-carry rules in ensuring that local content remains available in today's changing media landscape.
  • Must-carry rules have proven effective in preserving access to local content in an era where media consumption habits are shifting toward streaming services and digital platforms. However, challenges arise as more viewers migrate away from traditional cable subscriptions, leading to concerns about whether these regulations will adapt to keep pace with changing technology. Evaluating their long-term effectiveness involves examining how well they can continue to support local broadcasters while addressing the evolving demands of modern audiences who may prefer online access over traditional broadcasting.

Related terms

Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act: A 1992 U.S. law that established regulations for the cable industry, including must-carry rules to protect local broadcasters and promote competition.

Local Broadcast Stations: Television stations that transmit programming over the airwaves within a specific geographic area, often affiliated with major networks.

Retransmission Consent: A negotiation process where broadcast stations allow cable and satellite providers to carry their signals, often in exchange for compensation or other benefits.