Let's get real here. The FCC is not going to get rid of the must-carry rules. Cable operators are still going to have to put TV stations on a must-buy tier, and there are still going to be some cases where broadcasters and cable operators can't come to terms on contracts, just as there is in virtually any category of negotiation. And sorry, in those cases, which as the National Association of Broadcasters points out are the exception rather than the rule, losing access to a TV station signal is not the equivalent of cutting a lifeline—so long as the FCC leaves enough stations around after its spectrum reclamation push. But with its vow to be a more consumer-focused agency, and the pressure from Congress to do something in response to a few high-profile retrans impasses, the FCC is going to take some action. It is under pressure to do so before the end of this year, which is when a bunch of retrans deals come up for renewal.
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