This year the local Broadcast channels in your Community, ABC, CBS, FOX & NBC have elected to charge programming fees to JetBroadband. We have negotiated long and hard with them to minimize the monthly expense. They are not required to charge this fee but are seeking the fees under a Federal Law, commonly known as “Retransmission Consent”. Broadcast networks have enjoyed a huge benefit over the years, by distributing their signal free - over the air. Until February 17, 2009, Broadcast signals will be carried using analog technology on free spectrum, owned by the Federal Government. The Cable Companies feel it is not fair for the Broadcasters to not only benefit from Federal airwaves’ subsidies but also receive a fee as well, from cable companies. Soon you will notice a line item on your bill entitled “Retransmission Pass Through”; these fees are added to your monthly bill as allowed for by the federal government. Please realize that JetBroadband has limited control over this pass through and thanks you in advance for your understanding. If you have specific questions on Retransmission Consent and how it affects you please feel free to email those questions to our Virginia offices at csva@jetbroadband.com or our West Virginia office at cswv@jetbroadband.com.
Additional information on Retransmission Consent may be found on the Federal Communications Commission website at www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/cblbdcst.html or in the following articles or news releases:
FCC Fact Sheet
American Cable Association News Release (March 18, 2008)
American Cable Association News Release (April 10, 2008)
The Economic Effects of Price Discrimination in Retransmission Consent Agreements by William P. Rogerson
The president of JetBroadband is an active board member of the American Cable Association (ACA). The ACA is the group responsible for lobbying politicians and the FCC in Washington, DC on cable related issues. He has personally spent many years on his own seeking relief for small rural cable systems such as JetBroadband who lack the power to effectively negotiate with NBC, CBS, ABC & Fox. Small operators should not be charged more than larger operators like Cox & Comcast.
If you would like to contact your local broadcasters to voice your concerns or to find information specific to your area please pick your state below.
Virginia - Rustburg
West Virginia
If you wish to contact your local Congressman to voice your concern you may do so to the address below. We have also included a sample letter for your convenience.
What is Retransmission Consent? 