Critics of NextGen TV are under fire for defending their established domains, according to NAB.
NAB Pushes for Mandatory ATSC 3.0 Transition, Criticizes Opposition
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has taken a firm stance in favour of a mandatory transition from the current ATSC 1.0 DTV over-the-air standard to ATSC 3.0, accusing opponents such as the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and NCTA-The Internet & Television Association of "protecting their turf" rather than serving the public interest.
In a recent meeting with FCC officials, NAB's Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President Rick Kaplan criticized comments made by representatives of the CTA and NCTA. Kaplan denigrated the CTA's criticisms as "reflexive, innovation-blocking FCC filings" and accused them of protecting their own outdated business models.
The NAB's petition to the FCC calls for a phased transition, with top 55 markets ending ATSC 1.0 by 2028 and the rest of the U.S. DMAs doing so by 2030. This requirement, NAB argues, is necessary to overcome market and regulatory challenges preventing broadcasters from completing the transition on a voluntary basis.
Kaplan defended the need for a mandate, stating that without a firm deadline and mandate, broadcasters face operational and financial difficulties in maintaining dual ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 broadcasts. This delay, he argued, prevents consumers from accessing improved broadcast services that ATSC 3.0 offers, such as higher resolution video and interactive features.
The CTA, on the other hand, has reiterated its position that the transition to ATSC 3.0 should remain voluntary to avoid imposing additional costs on equipment manufacturers and other video service providers. However, Kaplan accused competitors of finding new ways to extract more money from viewers by diverting them to paid streaming services.
Kaplan also argued that ATSC 3.0 allows broadcasters to innovate without the influence of "Big Tech." He noted the irony in the CTA's criticism of ATSC 3.0, as many manufacturers who are represented by CTA are actively embracing the new standard.
Moreover, Kaplan proposed that LPTV stations be exempted in the mandated transition, and that non-commercial educational broadcasters be given more time to transition if needed.
The broadcast industry, Kaplan stated, is among the most-efficient spectrum users, and using spectrum for services other than traditional over-the-air TV should be welcomed. He added that pay-TV providers built their empires reselling broadcast television, and that they shouldn't be afraid to invest in updates to stay current.
In conclusion, NAB insists that a mandatory phased transition is essential for the broadcast industry to fully exploit ATSC 3.0 technology and deliver enhanced services to consumers, pushing back on opposition that it views as motivated by self-interest rather than innovation or consumer welfare.
- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) advocates for a mandatory shift from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0, viewing opposition as prioritizing their own interests over public benefit.
- In a meeting with FCC officials, NAB's Chief Legal Officer, Rick Kaplan, criticized comments from the CTA and NCTA, labeling them as protectionist and innovation-blocking.
- The NAB's appeal to the FCC proposes a phased transition, ending ATSC 1.0 in top 55 markets by 2028 and the remainder by 2030.
- Kaplan contends that a mandate is necessary to address market and regulatory challenges hindering voluntary transition, allowing consumers access to improved services like higher resolution video and interactive features.
- The CTA maintains the transition to ATSC 3.0 should remain voluntary to prevent additional costs for equipment manufacturers and video service providers.
- Kaplan contends that opponents are devising ways to charge viewers more by steering them towards paid streaming services.
- Kaplan argues that ATSC 3.0 provides broadcasters the freedom to innovate without "Big Tech" influence, with many CTA-represented manufacturers actively embracing the new standard.
- LPTV stations could be exempted in the mandated transition, and non-commercial educational broadcasters granted more time to transition, according to Kaplan.
- Kaplan asserts that the broadcast industry is an efficient spectrum user, advocating for using spectrum for services beyond traditional over-the-air TV, and urging pay-TV providers to invest in updates to remain current.
