Bill > HR888

This bill aims to address sports and television programming blackouts by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create regulations mandating rebates for subscribers when they are denied access to video programming. Specifically, the bill requires cable operators and direct broadcast satellite service providers to issue rebates to subscribers during periods when, due to negotiations over retransmission consent or video programming carriage, the provider fails to deliver programming that was originally promised at the time of subscription. The regulations must be established within 90 days of the bill's enactment and will define the appropriate rebate amount for subscribers. Key terms are carefully defined, including "covered negotiation" (which relates to broadcast station retransmission or video programming carriage), "provider" (cable operators and satellite services), "television broadcast station," and "video programming." The bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 by adding a new section that provides a framework for protecting consumers from unexpected service interruptions and ensuring they are compensated when promised programming is not delivered.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/888/all-info