USA. RADIO ILEGAL ENTREGA EQUIPAMIENTO Y SE EXPONE A UNA MULTA DE u$s 75.000
14-JUN/2019
The U.S. Attorney’s Office
has reached a settlement with Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise
International Church regarding a radio station in Worcester that has been
operating without a license from the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC).
According to a
consent decree filed today and subject to Court approval, Vasco
Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church agree not to
operate an unlicensed radio station in violation of the
Communications Act of 1934. They also agree to surrender all of
their broadcasting equipment. In the event the FCC reasonably
suspects that they have violated the Act, the FCC may inspect
the premises and seize any broadcasting equipment. Finally, if
the FCC determines that the defendants have operated an
unlicensed broadcasting station in violation of the settlement,
the defendants must pay a $75,000 fine.
According to the signed consent decree, Vasco Oburoni and
Christian Praise International Church admitted that they
operated a radio broadcast station in Worcester, on frequency
97.1 MHz, without a license from the FCC, and previously
operated an unlicensed radio station on frequency 102.3 MHz. The
FCC issued multiple warnings to the illegal operators and issued
a forfeiture order in the amount of $15,000 against Oburoni for
repeated violation of the Communications Act of 1934. Oburoni
agreed to a payment plan, but later began broadcasting again
without a license on a different frequency. The FCC received
complaints, including from a licensed broadcaster, that the
unlicensed station is interfering with radio signals.
The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the operation of radio
broadcasting equipment above certain low-intensity thresholds
without a license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes the
Department of Justice, at the request of the FCC, to seek an
injunction ordering compliance with the Communications Act
against operators broadcasting without an FCC license. The
number of available radio frequencies is limited, and unlicensed
broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of legitimate
licensed radio stations, potentially causing chaos in the radio
spectrum.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rosemary Harold,
Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau made the announcement
today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head of Lelling’s Asset
Recovery Unit is handling the matter.
Fuente: FCC
FCC FIJO REGLAS PARA RESOLVER RAPIDO DISPUTAS EN LA FM
14-ABR/2019
In a move designed to bring
more certainty and clarity to the process of resolving translator inference
complaints, the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted
unanimously in favor of new guidelines on how to process disputes between
translators and full-power FMs.
“The interference
resolution process can be lengthy, contentious and expensive for
all parties concerned,” said Lisa Scanlan, Deputy Chief of the
FCC’s Audio Division. “There is a need for more certainty and
clarify regarding how we expect stations to report and resolve
issues with translator interference.”
One of the most difficult issues for the Audio Division to
resolve as it crafted its proposal was how close an
interference-causing translator must be to the full-power FM to
be considered actionable. Under the new rules, the FCC will use
a station’s outer 45dBu contour limit. That includes
establishing a minimum number of additional listener complaints
that must be included in any waiver seeking to establish a claim
of interference outside the complaining station’s 45dBu contour.
While the FCC received proposals calling for a 60dBU or 54dBU
contour limit instead, it says there is “extensive evidence”
from markets nationwide to support the idea that full-service
stations have substantial listenership outside the 54dBu
contour—and that listenership would be at risk if interference
complaints outside this limit were not considered actionable.
The new rules raised some question about how to deal with what
are known as “super-maximum” Class B FMs, especially in southern
California. LPFM advocates had suggested the FCC stick to those
guidelines and that the 45dBu line should be considered the
“class maximum” and not what the outer contour is for such
super-powered stations. But Bonneville, Educational Media
Foundation and iHeartMedia insisted there is significant
listening to FMs beyond their 45dBu contours and they should be
given broader protections. In its order, Scanlan said the Bureau
created a waiver mechanism for stations that “believe
interference is impacting a substantial listenership beyond the
contour limit.”
Here’s some of what else is changing:
- The order adds more “flexibility” to its rules by allowing FM
translator stations to change frequency to any available
same-band channel – as a minor change in response to
interference issues. It notes channel changes are “a relatively
low cost way to resolve interference with little or no reduction
in service area.”
- The FCC also established a minimum number of listener
complaints ranging from a low of six to a high of 25,
proportionate to the population the complaining station serves,
that a station would need to submit with any claim of
interference.
- Interference complaints often devolve into questions about the
veracity of the allegations. In an effort to reduce those
fights, the FCC approved guidelines for specific things a
listener must say in their complaint. That includes sharing
complete contact information; a clear, concise and accurate
description of the location where the interference is alleged to
occur; a statement that they listen to the station over-the-air
at least twice a month to demonstrate the complainant is a
regular listener; and a statement that the complainant has no
legal, employment, financial or familial affiliation or
relationship with the station.
- In a series of steps designed to help resolve disputes, the
FCC okayed several moves that translator owners must take to
keep their signals on the air. They include working with the
listener to help resolve the problem. But the order eliminates
the requirement that listener complainants must cooperate with
the translator operator. Instead, it would be up to the listener
if they wanted to help.
- The Commission also concluded that 90 days “should be
sufficient” to resolve most claims of interference. If it goes
beyond that, the Media Bureau must offer an explanation as to
why.
Commissioner Michael O’Rielly had pushed the FCC to firm up that
90-day remediation deadline process. He said it would bring “an
even higher level of predictability to the process.”
The new guidelines largely follow suggestions handed to the
agency by the National Association of Broadcasters in 2017. “The
FCC deserves credit for endorsing a common-sense compromise for
reviewing FM radio listener complaints alleging interference
from FM translators,” NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said. “FM
translators have been enormously helpful extending the reach of
AM radio stations. We’re pleased the FCC continues to embrace
ideas that foster the revitalization of AM radio.”
Are There Too Many Translators?
The problem of translator inference has obviously grown as more
have signed on as part of the FCC’s ongoing AM revitalization
initiative. In the past two years alone the FCC has issued more
than 1,700 construction permits and there are now more than
8,000 authorized translators.
“The economic importance of FM translators to AM broadcasters in
particular cannot be overstated,” said Scanlan. “But within this
success has been an uptick in interference complaints from
primary FM stations due to the increasing number of translators
on the air.”
The AM effort has been one of the showpiece initiatives of
Chairman Ajit Pai. He rejects the idea that a need to address
translator interference suggests too many now crowd the radio
dial. “We can have the best of both worlds,” he told reporters.
“We can encourage continued service of thriving FM stations and
we can make sure translators who got on the air are able to
provide a valuable service through our AM radio revitalization
initiative.”
Pai said the new rules should mean both fewer complaints while
also creating a way to more quickly deal with the ones the FCC
does receive. “To me at least, that is a win for the translator
community as well as incumbent FM stations,” he said.
Fuente: Inside Radio
FCC FIJO NUEVAS PAUTAS PARA EL USO DE LOS ESPACIOS EN BLANCO DE LA TV
03-ABR/2019
The FCC has sent the signal
that allowing the so-called white spaces between TV channels to be used for
fixed and mobile wireless devices are ready for prime time.
That came in a report and order adopted Wednesday, March 20. The FCC also
resolved a number of petitions to reconsider (recon) the TV White Spaces
Order that initially opened up the spectrum to broadband.
Specifically, the
FCC finalized its reconsideration proceeding and its database
accuracy proceeding so that broadband providers can invest in
rural connectivity.
The FCC is permitting the use of white space devices (notably
computers), both fixed and mobile, in unused channels, ch. 37,
guard bands between broadcast and wireless spectrum and between
uplink and downlink spectrum in the 600 MHz band--which they are
sharing after the incentive auction.
It is part of the FCC's focus on freeing up more spectrum for
advanced wireless and closing the rural digital divide, which
computer companies argue "white spaces" play a key role.
Microsoft, Google and other computer companies on one side and
the National Association of Broadcasters on the other have been
at loggerheads over the issue. Microsoft has been pushing for as
much spectrum as possible, saying that remote sensing technology
can seek out and avoid TV channels in real time, preventing the
sort of interference NAB said current remote sensing technology
has not been proven to provide.
NAB wanted the FCC to vet the sensing technology before opening
the floodgates, as it were.
The FCC order does require that white spaces devices include
internal geo-location capability, both for outdoor and indoor
use, and that the devices automatically provide coordinates to
the database that is meant to map out the TV frequencies to
avoid.
That is a victory for NAB, which sought the geo-location, and a
defeat for Microsoft, which suggested the automatic capability
was not necessary. The FCC took a little off it by denying NAB's
request that it tighten geo-location accuracy requirements.
“NAB appreciates the FCC’s decision to strengthen its white
spaces rules. Requiring automatic geo-location in white spaces
devices will help increase accuracy and protect television
viewers from harmful interference.”
NAB wanted the FCC to require a wired connection between a
remote geo-location source and a fixed white space device,
rather than a wireless connection, but the FCC sided with
Microsoft on that point, and also said it would not limit the
distance between that remote location and the device, something
else NAB wanted.
NAB had asked that the FCC require the devices to identify their
height above ground, but the FCC declined to do so.
la multa mas alta para propietarios de estacion de tv sin licencia en
kentucky
01-FEB/2019
The Federal Communications
Commission today fined the operators of a Kentucky unlicensed low-power
television station $144,344. An FCC investigation found that the individuals
operating the station, Vearl Pennington and Michael Williamson, continued to
operate years after the FCC license for their station was cancelled after
they failed to file a valid renewal application.
In 1990, Mr. Pennington was granted an FCC license to operate low-power
television station W10BM in Morehead, Kentucky. Mr. Pennington renewed the
station’s license in 1993 but failed to do so again in 1998. In 2004, the
FCC’s Media Bureau wrote to Mr. Pennington to inquire if he had submitted a
renewal request in 1998. Receiving no response, the Media Bureau canceled
the station’s license in 2004. Mr. Pennington, joined by Mr. Williamson,
continued to operate the station despite their lack of an FCC-issued
license. After learning of the continued, unlicensed operation of the
station, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau field agents personally warned Messrs.
Pennington and Williamson that their unlicensed broadcasts violated FCC
rules and the Communications Act. Despite the warning, the duo continued to
operate the station. In May 2017, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture proposing a fine of $144,344.
FCC
FCC APROBO PROGRAMA PARA AUMENTAR LA DIVERSIDAD EN LA INDUSTRIA DE LA RADIO
Y LA TV
09-AGO/2018
The Federal Communications
Commission today (tuesday 2) took a historic and long overdue step to
increase ownership diversity in the broadcast industry. Specifically, the
Commission adopted requirements that will govern an incubator program to
assist new, small, or struggling voices, including women and minorities, in
overcoming the key barriers to entry into the broadcast sector.
For many years,
both the civil rights community and broadcasting industry have
called for the establishment of an incubator program. Today’s
Order, at long last, answers that call. Under the program, an
established broadcaster will provide financial and operational
support, including training and mentoring, to a new or small
broadcaster. At the end of a successful incubation relationship,
the new or small broadcaster will either own and operate a new
station independently, or the previously struggling
broadcaster’s station will be on a firmer footing. Once an
incubation relationship is completed successfully, the
established broadcaster will be eligible to receive a waiver of
the Commission’s Local Radio Ownership Rule, subject to certain
requirements.
The incubator program initially will apply to full-service AM
and FM broadcast radio stations as the costs of obtaining and
operating radio stations make the radio sector a significantly
more accessible entry point than television for entities with
limited capital resources and operational experience.
The incubator program addresses the need for more innovative
approaches to provide access to capital, as well as technical,
operational, and management training, to new entrants and small
broadcasters that otherwise would not be able to own a
full-service broadcast radio station, acquire an additional
station, or remain in the broadcasting business.
The Commission appreciates the input of all stakeholders that
participated in this proceeding, especially its Advisory
Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment.
FCC
JUEZ APRUEBA QUE AT&T COMPRE TIME WARNER Y LE PIDE AL GOBIERNO DE TRUMP QUE
NO APELE
14-JUN/2018
Un juez federal falló el
martes que AT&T puede avanzar con su adquisición de Time Warner por 85.000
millones de dólares.
El juez Richard
Leon del Tribunal de Distrito de EE.UU. para el Distrito de
Columbia dijo en una audiencia que descubrió, luego de un juicio
de seis semanas, que el acuerdo no viola la ley antimonopolio y
puede continuar.
Leon desalentó al gobierno de pedirle que pusiera su propio
fallo en espera de apelación, y dijo que si se le pregunta
negaría una suspensión. "Espero que el gobierno tenga la
sabiduría y el coraje" para no buscar una apelación, dijo.
El Departamento de Justicia, que presentó una demanda para
bloquear la compra, tiene la opción de apelar la decisión. De
acuerdo con una orden de programación, AT&T acordó no completar
la adquisición durante seis días para dar tiempo a una
apelación.
Makan Delrahim, el principal funcionario antimonopolio del
Departamento de Justicia, dijo que el gobierno estaba
decepcionado con el fallo y que "consideraría los próximos
pasos".
"Seguimos creyendo que el mercado de televisión de pago será
menos competitivo y menos innovador como resultado de la fusión
propuesta entre AT&T y Time Warner", dijo en un comunicado.
El fallo del juez probablemente será visto por los gigantes
tecnológicos y de telecomunicaciones como una luz verde para
perseguir una serie de importantes adquisiciones de medios.
CNN es propiedad de Time Warner.
Fuente: CNN
ESTADOS UNIDOS. INCAUTARON EQUIPAMIENTO DE RADIO ILEGAL EN MANHATTAN
19-ABR/2018
Taking action against a
pirate radio operator, Federal Communications Commission agents, in
coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of
New York and the U.S. Marshals Service, seized radio transmission equipment
from an unauthorized radio station on April 10, which was operating
illegally in Manhattan.
The FCC’s
Enforcement Bureau has been leading an effort to crack down on
this illegal activity, resulting in unlawful broadcasts going
off the air, seizure of equipment, fines
against pirates, proposed fines against pirates and property
owners actively aiding pirate radio operations, and numerous
other enforcement actions.
“Pirate radio stations are illegal, as they operate without an
FCC license, and cause real harm. These stations can cause
interference to legitimate, licensed broadcasters and can
prevent those broadcasters from delivering critical
public-safety information to listeners,” said Rosemary Harold,
Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau.
“We are pursuing multiple legal routes to stop pirate
broadcasters and this seizure action in Manhattan is one of
them. We thank our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for
the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Marshals Service,
and we’re particularly thankful for the great work of FCC field
agents in combatting this problem.”
“Rumba FM,” which broadcast on 95.3 FM from a high-rise
apartment building in Manhattan, was operating without an FCC
license, as required by law. The FCC issued multiple warnings to
the illegal operators but the radio station continued to
broadcast.
Pursuant to a federal court order, authorities seized equipment
operated by the illegal radio station at that station’s antenna
location on St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan.
The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the operation of radio
broadcasting equipment above certain low-intensity thresholds
without a license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes the
seizure and forfeiture of any electronic or radio frequency
equipment used to broadcast without an FCC license. The number
of available radio frequencies is limited, and unlicensed
broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of legitimate
licensed radio stations, potentially causing chaos in the radio
spectrum.
In an action to seize a pirate radio station’s equipment, the
FCC performs the initial investigation. Once the FCC has built a
case against the station, the matter is referred to the relevant
U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is then responsible for filing the
case and obtaining a warrant to seize the illegal radio
equipment from the court. The U.S. Marshals Service is
responsible for executing the warrant and seizing the pirate
radio station equipment, with FCC personnel provide technical
assistance during the seizure.
Fuente: FCC
COLAPSO TORRE DE TV EN SPRINGFIELD: UN MUERTO Y VARIOS HERIDOS
25-ABR/2018
A TV tower in Missouri
collapsed Thursday, killing one person and injuring several others,
authorities say.
The tower near Fordland in Webster County was used to broadcast KOZK Ozarks
Public Television, according to a spokeswoman for Missouri State University,
which owns the tower.
Rob Talburt, assistant chief for the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection
District, said 50 to 60 emergency workers from multiple agencies responded
to the tower collapse.
Talburt said that just before 10 a.m., six workers were performing routine
maintenance on the 1,980-foot-tall tower when it went down.
The workers were
about 105 feet high at the time of the collapse, Talburt said.
One worker was trapped and killed, Talburt said, and the five
other workers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"It's very lucky that we didn't have more fatalities out here,"
Talburt said.
Andrea Mostyn, spokeswoman for Missouri State University, said
the university contracted with a company to perform work on the
tower. She said she was not sure how long the crew had been
working on the tower.
MSU spokeswoman Suzanne Shaw said the workers were installing
structural support to accommodate new equipment associated with
a channel change.
MSU issued a statement, calling the tower's collapse and the
ensuing death a "tragedy."
“We are shocked and saddened by the news,” Shaw said in the
statement. “Our condolences go out to the victims and their
families. We are also providing support and resources to the
other team members affected.”
Webster County Sheriff Roye Cole said the workers were replacing
crossbeams on the tower.
John Myers, a structural engineering professor at Missouri
University of Science and Technology, said it's extremely rare
for any type of structure like a TV tower to collapse without
some type of major event, like a hurricane or tornado.
Fuente: USA Today
CABLEOPERADORES ESTADOUNIDENSES SE OPONEN AL AUMENTO DEL LIMITE DE LICENCIAS
DE TV
22-MAR/2018
The American Cable
Association believes the Federal Communications Commission should not permit
greater TV station consolidation before conferring with its newly created
Office of Economics and Analytics to examine the costs and benefits of such
consolidation, including the extent to which such action would increase
cable bills.
“ACA has
repeatedly observed that broadcast consolidation increases a
broadcaster’s leverage in retransmission consent negotiations,
leading to higher rates paid by pay-TV subscribers and other
harms to the public. Both economic theory and the best empirical
evidence available to the FCC suggest that increasing the
national cap beyond its current level will harm pay-TV
subscribers,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.
ACA set forth its views in a filing Monday in connection with
the FCC’s review of whether to allow a single entity to own
enough TV stations sufficient to reach more than 39% of TV
households nationally. By relaxing the rule, the FCC would allow
TV stations to gain even more bargaining leverage than they
already possess. This would allow them to impose more harmful
signal blackouts on cable operators and demand excessive
increases in retransmission consent fees, which inevitably find
their way into consumers’ monthly bills.
The FCC and the Department of Justice already know that
ownership or effective control of multiple stations within the
same market results in these harms. The best evidence suggests
that similar harms would occur if a single entity can own
stations beyond the existing 39% cap. In particular, two
econometric studies submitted by DISH in connection with the
Sinclair-Tribune merger proceeding confirmed that TV stations
that reach the most pay-TV subscribers command the highest
retransmission consent fees.
ACA urged the FCC to consult with the new Office of Economics
and Analytics and seek an econometric analysis based at least in
part on DISH’s Sinclair-Tribune merger analyses. It argued that
such an analysis is necessary for the FCC to understand the
benefits and harms of relaxing the cap.
Moreover, broadcasters seeking to relax the national cap possess
the data necessary for such an analysis and the FCC should
require them to produce it.
The data necessary to conduct such analyses (meaning
retransmission consent agreements) are held by both broadcasters
and MVPDs. Historically, broadcasters have gone to great lengths
to keep this data secret. Yet the responsibility for providing
this data to the Economics Office should fall upon broadcasters,
in all fairness, subject to appropriate confidentiality
protections.
“If broadcasters seek to change the FCC’s rules to their
benefit, they should provide the data to support their request,”
Polka said.
Fuente: ACA
trump lanza plan para mejorar la banda ancha
14-FEB/2018
Statement of NCTA – The
Internet & Television Association Regarding the White House Legislative
Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America
“As the nation’s leading broadband industry, we applaud the Administration’s
proposal to invest in new infrastructure – including the potential to expand
broadband to unserved homes in rural communities – that can support a
growing economy and provide new opportunities for all Americans. Unlike our
congested roads, crumbling bridges and failing power grid, our nation’s
broadband infrastructure is an American success story which powers an
internet economy that is second to none. American consumers have witnessed
enormous advances in the speed and reach of wired and wireless internet
networks, driven by $1.5 trillion in private investment over the last 20
years. Today, 85 percent of U.S. homes can have access to internet speeds of
300 Mbps or faster, including gigabit offerings in hundreds of urban and
rural communities.
“Despite this remarkable progress, there are still some parts of the country
– most often in less dense, geographically remote areas – where market
forces alone haven’t been able to connect all homes. That is why we welcome
the Administration’s efforts to reduce barriers to investment in rural
America and stand ready to work with Congress and federal agencies on ways
to induce more rural investment and promote greater efficiency and
accountability in government broadband programs. Most importantly, any
funding should be dedicated to connecting those homes without any access to
broadband. It should be a national imperative to connect the unserved so
that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of this technology.
“In NCTA’s Blueprint for
Internet Infrastructure Success, we offer some specific guideposts for how
policymakers can strive for thoughtful and effective broadband policies.”
ACA Applauds White House
Broadband Infrastructure Plan
American Cable Association
President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding
President Donald J. Trump’s infrastructure plan and what it will mean for
accelerating broadband deployment in rural areas of the country:
“ACA applauds President Donald J. Trump for proposing an infrastructure plan
that includes spending $50 billion to enhance infrastructure, including
broadband, in rural areas. Ensuring all Americans have access to
high-performance broadband is important and requires government engagement
at many levels. For instance, the enactment of the recent tax law and the
existing programs run by the FCC help. And, it is essential that government
focus on removing the many barriers that discourage private investment in
broadband.
“But, even with these
efforts, some areas will remain unserved, and the only way to deliver
broadband to them is with the assistance of direct government subsidies. We
are pleased that the President’s plan recognizes this fact and sets aside
money that can be used by the states for this purpose. ACA’s broadband
provider members operate in rural areas throughout the country, and they
look forward to working with the Trump Administration, Congress, and the
states to ensure that all households, regardless of location, have access to
high performance broadband service.”
About the American Cable
Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade
organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent
cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable
subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across
America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative
process in Washington, D.C., ACA members work together to advance the
interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and
viability of their business.
CABLEOPERADORES ESTADOUNIDENSES APOYAN EL FIN DE LA NEUTRALIDAD DE LA RED
20-DIC/2017
Statement of Michael
Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Regarding the FCC’s Action to Restore Light-Touch Regulation to the Internet
“Today’s FCC action rightly restores the light-touch approach to government
regulation of the internet that has fostered the development of a vibrant,
open and innovative platform. For decades, America’s internet service
providers have delivered an open internet – allowing consumers to enjoy the
lawful internet content and applications of their choosing. Nothing in this
decision alters that commitment – ISPs have stated repeatedly that they do
not and will not block, throttle or unfairly discriminate in how internet
traffic is delivered.
“We cannot reach for the future with regulation from the distant past. Title
II and its accompanying regulatory uncertainty deters the innovation and
investment needed to build the next generation of broadband and bring its
benefits to all Americans. We fully support Chairman Pai and the
Commission’s action today. However, we continue to believe that legislation
which protects the open internet, while preserving incentives for an
ever-improving network is essential. We urge Congress to craft legislation
that settles this decade-long debate and permanently enshrines open internet
protections into law while ushering in a new era of connectivity for
American consumers.”
ACA Hails FCC Vote To Restore Internet Freedom
American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the
following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s
adoption of the Restoring Internet Freedom order:
“Smaller ISPs have always stood by their customers and provided them with
unfettered access to lawful Internet content. Yet, for the past two years
they have been subject to unwarranted and burdensome FCC utility-style
regulations, which have made them reluctant to invest in their broadband
networks and to develop and offer innovative services. Under the regulatory
regime adopted by the previous FCC, no one came out a winner – not smaller
ISPs, not their customers, not upstream edge providers. The order adopted by
the FCC today ends this ‘unvirtuous’ cycle. Customers of smaller ISPs will
not only continue to have an open Internet, but also they will have greatly
enhanced access as ISPs upgrade their networks and roll out new services.
ACA applauds the FCC for restoring a regulatory regime that truly serves the
public interest.”
FCC ANULO LA NEUTRALIDAD DE INTERNET
15-DIC/2017
La Comisión Federal de
Comunicaciones (FCC) aprobó este jueves una nueva norma sobre el servicio de
internet que acaba con la “neutralidad de la red” que garantizaba una norma
de 2015.
La mayoría
republicana en la institución regulador votó este jueves a favor
de la nueva regla que deroga el principio de “neutralidad de la
red”, que salvaguardaba internet como un servicio público de
libre e igual acceso.
¿Qué es ‘net neutrality’?
La Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC) anunció planes de
desmantelar las regulaciones impuestas por el gobierno de Barack
Obama para asegurar el acceso igualitario a la Internet, lo que
permitirá a compañías cobrar más a los usuarios o bloquear
acceso a ciertas páginas web.
Dirigida por Ajit Pai, la Comisión tomó la decisión por tres
votos a favor y dos en contra -los demócratas- de poner fin a la
regulación que impulsó en 2014 el entonces presidente, Barack
Obama, y que luego se aprobó en 2015.
En la práctica, la norma de 2015 impedía que las proveedoras de
internet pudieran bloquear o ralentizar el tráfico en los
portales que decidieran.
Este principio, que buscaba garantizar el libre acceso en
igualdad de condiciones al servicio de la red, fue hoy eliminado
entre múltiples protestas por parte de demócratas, asociaciones
de consumidores y algunas voces entre las filas republicanas.
En el momento en el que la regulación comience a aplicarse, las
compañías proveedoras de internet podrán decidir qué portales
bloquear o ralentizar, incluidos los de medios de comunicación o
difusión de vídeo, y solo estarán supeditadas a hacerlo público.
Los comisionados republicanos, incluido Pai, argumentaron que la
decisión supone acabar con una regla que trataba con “mano dura”
a la industria de proveedores de internet ante “hipotéticos
daños”.
Por su parte, las dos comisionadas demócratas expusieron las
consecuencias negativas que podría tener la supresión de la
“neutralidad en la red” en consumidores y pequeñas empresas
proveedoras de contenido.
Las responsables de la oposición incidieron en la necesidad de
retrasar el voto hasta que se investigue el masivo registro de
comentarios a la propuesta de la Comisión, 22 millones en total,
de los que al menos dos millones habrían sido realizados desde
perfiles falsos, según denunció el fiscal general de Nueva York,
Eric Schneiderman.
El voto tuvo que ser suspendido durante unos minutos por
“motivos de seguridad” y, paralelamente, se registraron
manifestaciones contra la decisión en el exterior de la sede del
regulador en Washington.
Fuente: El Nuevo
Herald
FCC MODERNIZA LAS REGLAS DE PROPIEDAD CRUZADA
24-NOV/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (16) voted to modernize its broadcast ownership rules and
to help promote ownership diversity in the broadcast industry.
These actions will provide broadcasters and local newspapers with a greater
opportunity to compete in the digital age and will help ensure a diversity
of viewpoints in local markets.
Congress requires
the Commission to review its broadcast ownership rules every
four years to determine if they are in the public interest as
the result of competition and if not, to repeal or modify them.
For too long, the Commission has failed to acknowledge the pace
of change in the media marketplace by maintaining analog
broadcast ownership rules that do not reflect today’s digital
age.
For instance, the Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule that
the Commission eliminates today dates back to 1975.
By modernizing these outdated rules, broadcast stations and
local newspapers will be able to more easily invest in local
news and content and improve service to their local communities
for the benefit of consumers.
Today’s Order on Reconsideration addresses several petitions for
reconsideration of the Commission’s August 2016 Order in the
2010/2014 Quadrennial Regulatory Review that left the outdated
broadcast ownership rules largely unchanged. Specifically, today
the Commission
eliminates the Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule,
Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule, and Television Joint
Sales Agreement Attribution Rule.
The Order also modifies the Local Television Ownership Rule to
better reflect competitive conditions in local markets by
eliminating the Eight-Voices Test, which requires at least eight
independently owned television stations to remain in a market
before any entity may own two television stations in that
market. The Order also permits exceptions to the prohibition on
an entity owning two of the top four stations in a market if it
can be shown that a particular transaction would be in the
public interest. The Order does not address the issue of the
national ownership cap and the associated UHF discount which are
not part of the Quadrennial Review, and which will be considered
in a separate proceeding later this year.
Lastly, in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission
decides to establish, and seeks comment on how to implement and
structure, a new incubator program in which established
broadcasters would help facilitate entry by new voices into the
marketplace by providing access to capital and/or technical
expertise to new entrants and small businesses. The program has
broad support and will help promote ownership diversity in the
broadcast industry.
Fuente: FCC
LA ADMINISTRACION TRUMP
BLOQUEO LA FUSION AT&T-TIME WARNER
23-NOV/2017
La operación anunciada hace
un año por AT&T para adquirir el conglomerado de medios
Time Warner está en peligro. El Departamento de Justicia
cumple su amenaza y procede a bloquear la transacción,
valorada en 85.000 millones de dólares (108.000 millones
incluyendo la deuda), al considerar que la integración
de estos dos gigantes vulnera la competencia al
concentrar el poder. Ahora se inicia un duro litigio en
los tribunales que puede durar varios meses.
AT&T y Time Warner decidieron sumar fuerzas para
integrar en una misma compañía la creación de contenido
audiovisual y su distribución. Buscaban así adaptarse a
las nuevas formas de consumir series y películas, en
respuesta a la emergencia de nuevas plataformas como
Netflix y Amazon. Además, la unión les hace un actor más
fuerte en el mercado de la publicidad, que está
orbitando hacia Google y Facebook.
El acuerdo se anunció unas semanas antes de que Donald
Trump ganara las elecciones. El lenguaje que utiliza
ahora la dirección de AT&T en respuesta a la demanda es
muy duro. Califica la decisión de “radical” e
"inexplicable”, al considerar que el Departamento de
Justicia se distancia de la práctica seguida por los
reguladores a la hora de examinar las integraciones
verticales de empresas.
AT&T esperaba, de hecho, haber recibido la autorización
sin mayores problemas, como hizo Comcast con la compra
de NBC Universal. Pero el presidente Trump amenazó
durante la campaña electoral con vetar la operación si
llegaba a la Casa Blanca. Time Warner controla la cadena
todo noticias CNN, de las más críticas con su política,
la HBO y TNT. AT&T, por su parte, es dueña del operador
de televisión vía satélite DirectTV.
“Estamos listos para litigarla”, advirtió Randall
Stephenson, consejero delegado de AT&T. La acción
plantea riesgos legales, pero también políticos. Varios
legisladores demócratas mostraron durante los últimos
días su preocupación por la eventual acción de Justicia.
Los críticos con la operación ya advirtieron, en
cualquier caso, que si era aprobada, podía usar su poder
para elevar precios.
Litigio en los tribunales
Las compañías argumentan para defender la fusión que no
son competidores. El Departamento de Justicia justifica
el bloqueo diciendo que la combinación de ambas mermará
la innovación y la competencia, lo que afectará al
consumidor. También a los creadores, que deberán pagar
más dinero para distribuir su contenido. Por eso
considera "ilegal" esta concentración de poder.
“Afortunadamente, del Departamento de Justifica no tiene
la última palabra”, afirma David McAtee, consejero legal
de AT&T, “estamos convencidos de se rechazarán los
argumentos del gobierno y la fusión seguirá adelante”.
Los expertos en este tipo de operaciones anticipan
varios meses de enfrentamiento. Pero si la batalla legal
se prolonga, las partes podrían optar por abandonarla.
El bloqueo, en realidad, no es una sorpresa. AT&T se
había puesto de plazo completar la fusión para marzo del
próximo año. Ahora se dispone a defender los méritos de
la integración ante los tribunales. La solución del
litigio será determinante para el resto de la industria.
Disney, Comcast y Verizon se están interesando por los
activos de entretenimiento de Twenty-First Century Fox.
Stephenson dejó claro en su contraofensiva que no va a
llegar a un "acuerdo cualquiera" con el gobierno para
salvar la operación. Los acuerdos que eventualmente
pueda pactar para remediar el litigio, reiteró, serán
dentro del marco de las reglas de la competencia y
teniendo en cuenta como se está trasformando la
industria de medio. La opción de vender la CNN, insiste,
no está sobre la mesa.
Fuente: El País
ESTADOS UNIDOS aprobo
el standard next gen tv - atsc 3.0
17-NOV/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (16) adopted new rules to let
television broadcasters use the Next Generation
broadcast television transmission standard, also called
ATSC 3.0, on a voluntary, market-driven basis.
The Next Generation TV
standard will let broadcasters provide consumers with
more vivid pictures and sound, including Ultra High
Definition television and superior reception, mobile
viewing capabilities, advanced emergency alerts, better
accessibility features, localized content, and
interactive educational children’s content.
Today’s action adopts rules that will allow broadcasters
the flexibility to deploy Next Generation TV service
while minimizing the impact on consumers and industry
stakeholders. The upgraded technology will merge the
capabilities of over-the-air broadcasting with the
broadband viewing and information delivery methods of
the Internet using the same 6 MHz channels presently
allocated for digital television (DTV).
Among other things, the Report & Order:
- Requires broadcasters that use Next Generation TV to
partner with another local station in their market to
simulcast their programming in the current DTV standard,
called ATSC 1.0, so that viewers can continue to receive
their existing broadcast service without having to
purchase new equipment;
- Subjects Next Gen TV signals to the public interest
obligations that currently apply to television
broadcasters; and
- Requires broadcasters to provide advance on-air
notifications to educate consumers about Next Generation
TV service deployment and simulcasting.
Today’s ruling comes after several field tests of the
technology were conducted in the Cleveland media market.
Last year, the Next Generation TV transmission standard
was tested during Major League Baseball’s 2016 World
Series.
Fuente: FCC
ESTADOS UNIDOS: YA NO ES NECESARIO QUE LAS ESTACIONES TENGAN ESTUDIOS EN SUS
AREAS DE SERVICIO
03-NOV/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (october, 24) eliminated the broadcast main studio rule.
The Order retains the requirement that stations maintain a local or
toll-free telephone number to ensure consumers have ready access to their
local stations.
The main studio rule, adopted nearly 80 years ago, currently requires each
AM radio, FM radio, and television broadcast station to have a main studio
located in or near its local community.
The rule was implemented to facilitate input from community members and the
station’s participation in community activities.
The Commission recognizes that today the public can access information via
broadcasters’ online public file, and stations and community members can
interact directly through alterative means such as e-mail, social media, and
the telephone.
Given this, the Commission found that requiring broadcasters to maintain a
main studio is outdated and unnecessarily burdensome.
Elimination of the main studio rule should produce substantial cost-saving
benefits for broadcasters that can be directed toward such things as
programming, equipment upgrades, newsgathering, and other services that
benefit consumers.
It will also make it easier for broadcasters to prevent stations in small
towns from going dark and to launch new stations in rural areas.
Fuente: FCC
NAB
In response to the FCC's
elimination of the main studio rule, the following statement can be
attributed to NAB Executive Vice Presidentof Communications Dennis Wharton:
“NAB supports elimination of the main studio rule, which has outlived its
usefulness in an era of mobile news gathering and multiple content delivery
platforms. We're confident that cost savings realized from ending the main
studio rule will be reinvested by broadcasters in better programming and
modernized equipment to better serve our local communities. We applaud the
FCC for continuing to remove unnecessary and outdated broadcast
regulations.”
fcc aplico la multa mas alta a los propietarios de una radio pirata en
florida
09-OCT/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today (September 26, 2017) proposed the
maximum fine allowable by statute—$144,344—against a
so-called “pirate radio” operation in North Miami,
Florida. The action marks the first time the Commission
has proposed finding the property owners where the
transmission equipment was located apparently liable for
the operation of the station. Unlicensed radio
broadcasts are illegal and can interfere with licensed
broadcasting, including broadcasters’ ability to
communicate public safety warnings to their communities.
The Commission’s
investigation of this matter first began in 2012 when
the Enforcement Bureau’s Miami Field Office received a
complaint about a potential unauthorized station
broadcasting on 90.1 MHz in the North Miami area. After
finding that the station was not authorized, Commission
agents repeatedly warned both Fabrice Polynice, a
programming provider, and Harold and Veronise Sido, who
own the property where the station’s transmission
equipment is located, that the unauthorized transmission
of a radio broadcast is illegal. These earlier actions
resulted in a seizure, pursuant to a Federal court
order, of transmission equipment from the Sido residence
in 2012 and a Forfeiture Order against Mr. Polynice in
2013.
Despite knowing that these actions were illegal, Mr.
Polynice apparently continued to operate the pirate
station from the Sido residence.
In fact, the parties even posted video of themselves in
their pirate studio to social media. Commission field
agents found on a least seven different occasions that
the illegal station was still being operated from the
Sido residence by Mr. Polynice. The Bureau’s
investigation found that while Mr. Polynice apparently
provided programming for the station, the Sidos
apparently provided material support in the form of free
use of their property, including the shed from which Mr.
Polynice broadcast, as well as electricity and internet
connectivity necessary for operation of the transmitter
and antenna.
As a result of this investigation, the Commission today
issues a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture
(NAL) against Mr. Polynice and Mr. and Mrs. Sido. The
NAL finds that the actions of all three individuals were
continuous and deliberate. Accordingly, the NAL proposes
to fine all three individuals jointly and severally for
a total of $144,344.
Federal law generally prohibits the operation of a
broadcast radio station without a license issued
by the Commission. Congress enacted this requirement as
a means of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution by
the FCC of scarce spectrum resources to maximize its
availability and use among entities, such as TV and
radio broadcasters, public safety agencies, and wireless
phone and data networks.
The Miami area, along with Boston and New York, have
generally proven to
have the greatest concentration of pirate radio
activities, as shown by this FCC map:
https://go.usa.gov/xRMhe.
Mr. Polynice and Mr. and Mrs. Sido will have 30 days to
respond.
The Commission will then review the response and any
additional evidence, and may then proceed to issue a
final forfeiture order.
If finalized, the Commission expects prompt payment of a
fine. If such a payment is not
received within 30 days, the matter is referred to the
Justice Department for collection.
The Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture is
available at:
https://go.usa.gov/xRh3p
Fuente: FCC
RADIO DE ALASKA fue MULTADA CON 66 MIL DOLARES
POR INCUMPLIR VARIAS NORMAS DE LA FCC
24-JUL/2017
The Federal Communications
Commission today issued a proposed $66,000 fine against
FM radio station licensee Kenai Educational Media in
Seward, Alaska for numerous apparent violations of FCC
rules, including actions that undermine the
effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Broadcasters have very important obligations related to
EAS, a critical system for ensuring the public can
receive accurate and expedient alerts and warnings
during times of local and national emergencies.
Kenai Educational Media, which operates KIBH-FM, was
notified on multiple occasions by the FCC that it had
programmed its EAS equipment messages for a radio
station serving a different geographic area than that
served by Kenai, was failing to monitor at least two EAS
sources, and did not keep EAS operation information
available to staff as required. Broadcasters that are
licensed by the FCC have important obligations to their
communities to be prepared to participate in the EAS
system as needed. Although most licensees take this
responsibility seriously and serve their communities as
key outlets for emergency warnings and alerts, a
broadcaster’s failure to meet these FCC requirements is
a serious offense which can pose real dangers for their
communities.
In addition to its apparent EAS violations, the
broadcaster also apparently violated a number of
broadcast station rules, such as maintaining required
records. Lastly, the broadcaster also failed to respond
to several Commission inquiries.
An agent from the Commission’s Anchorage field office
discovered the violations and issued a notice to the
Licensee.
Following numerous such notices and no response from the
Licensee, the agency is moving forward with issuing
today’s proposed fine.
The proposed fine is formally known as a Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, and the broadcaster
will have 30 days to respond. The Commission will then
review the response and any additional evidence, and may
then proceed to issue a final forfeiture.
Fuente: FCC
RADIODIFUSORES DE ESTADOS UNIDOS RECAUDARON MAS
DE 10 MIL MILLONES DE DOLARES EN LA SUBASTA DEL ESPECTRO
20-ABR/2017
Today (13), the Federal
Communications Commission announced the closing of the
broadcast incentive auction, which created a
first-of-its kind market for repurposing valuable
broadcast airwaves for nationwide wireless mobile use.
At $19.8 billion in gross revenue for 70MHz of spectrum,
the incentive auction is among the highest grossing
auctions ever conducted by the FCC. The Commission now
commences a 39-month transition period to move broadcast
stations to new channel assignments.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said,
“The conclusion of the world’s first incentive auction
is a major milestone in the FCC’s long history as
steward of the nation’s airwaves. Consumers are the real
beneficiaries, as broadcasters invest new resources in
programming and service, and additional wireless
spectrum opens the way to greater competition and
innovation in the mobile broadband marketplace.”
Why an Incentive Auction?
Today, there are more connected mobile devices than
there are people living in the U.S., and about 70
percent of Americans use data-hungry smartphones. This
increasing demand for wireless airwaves poses a major
challenge to ensuring that America’s networks have the
capacity to support the critical economic, public
safety, health care and other activities that rely on
them. In order to meet this challenge, the FCC designed
the broadcast incentive auction through close bipartisan
collaboration with Congress as well as the broadcast and
wireless industries.
Authorized by Congress in 2012, the auction used market
forces to align the use of broadcast spectrum with 21st
century consumer demands for mobile video and broadband
services. It preserves a robust broadcast TV industry
while providing stations with revenues that they can
invest into programming and services for their
communities. And by making valuable “low-band” airwaves
available for wireless mobile use, the incentive auction
benefits consumers by easing congestion on wireless
networks, laying the groundwork for “fifth generation”
(5G) wireless services and applications, and spurring
economic growth. The auction began on March 29, 2016.
Broadcasters: More than $10 Billion in winning bids,
minimal impact on viewers
More than $10 billion will go to 175 winning
broadcasters that elected to participate in the
incentive auction and repurpose their airwaves for
mobile use. Of the winners, 30 stations will receive
money for agreeing to move to a lower channel and 133
others will relinquish their licenses and indicated
their intent to remain on air through channel-sharing
agreements with non-winning stations.
The FCC also announced the new channel assignments, and
effective dates of those assignments, for 957
non-winning stations that must change channels to clear
the new wireless airwaves for use. The first group of
stations to move channels is scheduled for November 30,
2018. Stations are required to provide 30 days’ notice,
and the FCC provides information for over-the-air
viewers on how to “rescan” their receivers to find new
channels at www.fcc.gov/incentiveauctions/consumers.
To view the entire list of broadcasters who won at
auction nationwide, read the Public Notice here:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/incentive-auction-closing-and-channel-reassignment-public-notice
(Appendix A).
Wireless Carriers: Bid $19.8 billion for 70 MHz of
spectrum for mobile use
In the forward auction, wireless carriers bid $19.8
billion on mobile broadband spectrum. A total of 50
winning bidders won 70 MHz of licensed spectrum
nationwide. A total of 14 MHz of spectrum is available
for unlicensed use and wireless microphones. On a
nationwide basis, 70 MHz is the most mobile broadband
ever auctioned below 1GHz by the FCC. Among the largest
winners are T-Mobile, Dish, Comcast, and US Cellular. A
full list of winners can be found in Appendix B of the
Public Notice:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/incentive-auction-closing-and-channel-reassignment-public-notice.
How the Incentive Auction Worked: First of its kind
worldwide
The auction created a first-of-its-kind market for
repurposing commercially-held spectrum licenses for new
uses. The model is part of the foundation of the future
of U.S. spectrum allocation and use policy designed for
21st century realities. The broadcast incentive auction
itself was comprised of two separate but interdependent
auctions -- a reverse auction, which determined the
price at which broadcasters voluntarily relinquish their
spectrum usage rights; and a forward auction, which
determined the price wireless carriers were willing to
pay for flexible use wireless licenses.
The lynchpin joining the reverse and the forward
auctions is the “repacking” process. Repacking involves
reorganizing and assigning channels to the remaining
broadcast television stations in order to create
contiguous blocks of cleared spectrum suitable for
flexible use.
Fuente: FCC
fcc amplia la posibilidad de compartir canal
entre estaciones de tv de distintas categorias
05-ABR/2017
La Comisión Federal de
Comunicaciones de Estados Unidos (FCC por su sigla en
inglés) resolvió el 23 de marzo flexibilizar la política
de compartir un mismo canal entre varias estaciones de
TV que renuncien al espectro, a través de la
multiplexación que permite el estándar digital.
Ahora incluyó en la medida a
estaciones de baja potencia (LPTV) y repetidoras o
retransmisoras, quienes podrán compartir el canal con
estaciones de alta potencia y de Clase A. Todo ello con
el objetivo de liberar parte del espectro radioeléctrico
que será destinado a la telefonía móvil.
Esta política fue establecida por el Congreso
norteamericano en el año 2012 para que estaciones de
alta potencia (full power) y de Clase A compartan el
mismo canal a cambio de recibir ingresos por la subasta
del espectro destinado a a telefonía inalambrica.
En 2015 la FCC incluyó esta posibilidad a estaciones de
televisión de baja potencia (LPTV) y repetidoras o
retransmisoras.
Pero como ya fue dicho, ahora todas las estaciones LPTV
y repetidoras o retransmisoras de TV pueden también
compartir un canal con una emisora de alta potencia y de
Clase A. Con esta medida la FCC otorga a este tipo de
emisoras la posibilidad de seguir emitiendo y también
busca reducir los costos de operación de estaciones LPTV
y repetidoras o retransmisoras.
estados unidos cambia reglas para revitalizar
la am
01-MAR/2017
La Comisión Federal de
Comunicaciones amplió el área donde los transmisores en FM pueden
retransmitir la programación de estaciones en AM.
Las emisoras de
radio AM que quieran mejorar su área de servicio con una señal
más clara pueden hacerlo usando la banda de FM. Según informa la
FCC en su página web, esto es últil para muchas estaciones de AM
obligadas a reducir su potencia en la noche, ya que el
retransmisor de FM puede operar a la misma potencia las 24 horas
del día.
Con la anterior regla una estación AM podría retransmitir en FM
dentro de su contorno de servicio diurno o dentro de un radio de
25 millas de su transmisor, la distancia que sea menor.
La nueva regla permite que el retransmisor en FM se ubique en
cualquier lugar dentro del área de servicio diurno de la
estación de AM o en cualquier lugar dentro de un radio de 25
millas del transmisor, incluso si el contorno se extiende más
lejos de las 25 millas de la planta transmisora.
La anterior regla resultó demasiado restrictiva para algunos
radiodifusores AM, especialmente aquellos cuyos transmisores
estaban lejos de las comunidades a servir.
La FCC autorizó por primera vez a las estaciones AM a
retransmitir en FM en 2009. En 2016 se permitió a más de 1.000
estaciones AM adquirir y reubicar retransmisores en FM.
comcast abandona la fusion con time warner
27-ABR/2015
Comcast concluye que la
compra de su rival Time Warner Cable no va a ser posible, por los problemas
que plantea la fusión desde el punto de la competencia. “Pensábamos que
teníamos buenos argumentos para que saliera adelante, pero hemos visto que
no va a suceder”, anunció el consejero delegado del mayor operador de cable
de Estados Unidos, Brian Roberts.
Se abandona así una operación que estaba valorada en 45.200 millones de
dólares y que podría invitar ahora a la dueña del grupo de medios NBC
Universal a buscar nuevas oportunidades de inversión, incluso fuera de EE
UU. La retirada en banda de Comcast afecta también a Charter Communications,
que iba a hacerse con los activos que soltaran en el proceso de integración.
El Departamento de Justicia y el regulador del sector de las comunicaciones
en EE UU no llegaron a bloquear oficialmente la operación, pero en las
últimas semanas sus abogados plantearon serios problemas que acabaron por
matarla. “El abandono de la fusión es el mejor desenlace para el
consumidor”, señalan los responsables de las dos agencias en un comunicado.
Comcast hizo su oferta en febrero del año pasado, tras ocho meses de puja de
Charter por Time Warner Cable. La compañía combinada iba a tener 33 millones
de abonados. El operador de cable neoyorquino necesitaba esta unión para
poder hacer frente a la competencia de nuevos rivales en la distribución de
contenido audiovisual, como Netflix, Facebook o Google.
Roberts evitó especular sobre la lógica seguida por la Administración de
Barack Obama para oponerse a la operación. "Tenemos que mirar hacia delante,
no hacia atrás", señaló. Es conocido, sin embargo, que Washington se opone a
operaciones de gran tamaño. El abandono, además, se produce después de que
se presentaran las nuevas reglas sobre el acceso a Internet.
Riesgo inaceptable
Tom Wheeler, presidente del
regulador de las comunicaciones, confirmó que estaba dispuesto a bloquear la
operación porque representaba un "riesgo inaceptable" para la competencia y
la innovación. Se refería a las dificultades que este gigante podría haber
creado al modelo de negocio de los nuevos proveedores de contenido
audiovisual.
El bloqueo podría llevar a Charter Communications a mover ficha de nuevo. Si
lograra fusionarse con Time Warner Cable, se convertiría en el segundo
operador de cable de EE UU por detrás de Comcast. La otra opción es que la
sociedad que perteneció al conglomerado Time Warner hasta 2009 intentará
sumar fuerzas con compañías más pequeñas para ser independiente.
Hay otra operación en curso que se sigue muy de cerca en Wall Street. El
operador de telefonía AT&T anunció hace un año la compra de la plataforma de
televisión digital vía satélite DirectTV para plantar cara precisamente a
Comcast. La combinación, sin embargo, debería plantear menos problemas a los
reguladores porque su estructura es diferente y AT&T es muy pequeña en el
cable.
Charter Communications
acordó ayer comprar a su mayor rival, Time Warner Cable, por 78.7 mil
millones de dólares, en un acuerdo que podría transformar a la empresa en
uno de los operadores de cable y de banda ancha más grandes de Estados
Unidos.
Charter entregará un total de 55 mil millones de dólares en efectivo y en
forma de acciones a los inversionistas de Time Warner Cable. Tomando en
cuenta la deuda asumida, la operación asciende a 78 mil 700 millones de
dólares.
El anuncio representa la más reciente de una serie de adquisiciones en medio
de un proceso de consolidación del sector para competir en un mercado
acechado por el video en streaming.
La oferta también marca la culminación de Charter y su principal
patrocinador, el multimillonario magnate de los medios –de 74 años de edad–
John C. Malone, que llevó a la empresa de ser un pequeño operador de TV por
cable, nacido en St. Louis en 1993, al segundo del país detrás de Comcast.
Si la operación es aprobada por los organismos antimonopolio de Estados
Unidos, la compañía combinada se llamará New Charter y sus servicios se
venderán bajo la marca Spectrum.
Charter también confirmó que continuaría con su plan para adquirir Bright
House Networks, un competidor más pequeño, por 10.4 mil millones de dólares.
Las dos adquisiciones podrían cuadruplicar su base de clientes a cerca de 24
millones, en comparación con Comcast, que tiene 27 millones.
Charter ha buscado por mucho tiempo adquirir Time Warner Cable para ganar
cuota de mercado; sin embargo, el año pasado, el plan pareció haberse
frustrado cuando Comcast ofreció 45 mil millones de dólares.
Pero la propuesta no prosperó después de que los reguladores y la
competencia manifestaron su preocupación de que la unión de ambas firmas
podría hacer subir los precios y dar lugar a posibles obstáculos digitales
para proveedores de video en línea como Netflix.
Regulación
Los analistas dijeron que Charter probablemente enfrentará escrutinio
antimonopolio, aunque consideraron poco probable que enfrente el mismo nivel
de resistencia que Comcast.
Los dos proveedores de cable ofrecen servicios de cable y banda ancha
similares en varios estados, incluyendo California, Texas y Virginia.
Para ayudar a financiar el acuerdo, Charter dijo que vendería 5 mil millones
de dólares en acciones Liberty Broadband, que es parte del conglomerado de
telecomunicaciones propiedad de Malone.
Como parte del acuerdo, Time Warner Cable recibirá una cuota de ruptura de
hasta dos millones de dólares si la transacción se deshace, en contraste con
lo ocurrido con Comcast, que no le pagó nada cuando retiró su oferta pública
de adquisición el mes pasado.
La competencia en el sector se ha intensificado desde que AT&T acordó
comprar al operador de televisión por satélite DirecTV el año pasado por
48.5 mil millones de dólares.
Este mes, el gigante de las telecomunicaciones europeo Altice compró una
participación de control en Suddenlink, un proveedor de cable regional, y
también mantuvo conversaciones en fase inicial con Time Warner Cable más
para una adquisición potencial.
New Charter, la potencial empresa, probablemente tendría que invertir
fuertemente para mantener el ritmo de Comcast, que está desarrollando su
llamado servicio XI que permite a clientes grabar programas y transmitir
contenido a sus dispositivos.
Un hombre armado ha matado
este miércoles a tiros a una periodista y un cámara de una emisora afiliada
a la cadena de televisión CBS - la cadena WDBJ7-, mientras informaban en
directo. El suceso se produjo alrededor de las 06.45 hora local (10.45 GMT),
cuando los reporteros fallecidos hacían una entrevista en directo en la
plaza Bridgewater de la población rural de Moneta (Virginia).
Horas después del crimen, y tras subir las imágenes del ataque a sus redes
sociales, el sospechoso fue detenido. Las autoridades encontraron al
presentador de televisión Vester Lee Flanagan, de 41 años, -conocido en el
mundo periodístico como Bryce Williams- en el interior de su coche, que se
encontraba estacionado en un lateral de la carretera en la autopista I-66 a
su paso por el condado de Faquier.
El sospechoso presentaba una herida grave de bala que se había producido
tras dispararse a sí mismo. Flanagan, conocido como Bryce Williams en los
medios, murió a las 13:30 hora local (17:30 GMT) en la clínica a la que fue
trasladado por las autoridades.
"Es obvio que este hombre estaba perturbado de alguna manera", ha explicado
el sheriff del condado, Bill Overton, en rueda de prensa. "Parece que las
cosas estaban fuera de control pero aún tenemos una larga investigación que
conducir", ha concluido Overton.
Las víctimas eran la periodista Alison Parker (24 años), natural de
Virginia, y el cámara Adam Ward (27 años), que trabajaba para esa emisora
desde 2011. Éste era el último día de Parker en la cadena y sus compañeros
tenían planeada una fiesta para despedirla.
El tiroteo, divulgado por internet y repetido por las cadenas de televisión
de EEUU, se produjo en la zona comercial de Bridwater, en la población rural
de Moneta, que fue acordonada por agentes de la Policía de los condados
vecinos.
En las imágenes se ve como Parker entrevista a Vicky Gardner, directora
ejecutiva de la Cámara Regional de Comercio de Smith Mountain Lake, y,
entonces, se escuchan unos disparos, la cámara cae al suelo y sigue la
grabación mientras se escuchan gritos, hasta que se interrumpe y la imagen
pasa al estudio, donde los informadores no reaccionan en un primer momento.
Gardner también resultó herida durante el tiroteo y fue trasladada al
hospital para ser tratada de sus heridas.
Parker, natural de Virginia, tenía 24 años y Ward, que trabajaba para esa
emisora desde 2011, tenía 27. Éste era el último día de Parker en la cadena
y sus compañeros tenían planeada una fiesta para despedirla.
El lugar del tiroteo, en el suroeste de Virginia y unos 350 kilómetros al
sur de Washington, no es una zona con un índice criminal particularmente
alto y está a unos 40 kilómetros de la población de Roanoke, donde tiene su
sede la WDBJ-TV.
El sospechoso acusó a una cadena de Florida de discriminación por ser negro.
Un productor llamó "mono" a Flanagan, según alegó él cuando no le renovaron
el contrato, según recoge un artículo de 'Tallahassee Democrat'.
El asesino se confiesa con ABC News
Flanigan envió un extenso documento a la cadena de televisión ABC News antes
de cometer el ataque. La cadena ha precisado que se trata de un "extenso
documento" de 23 páginas. Según ha informado la cadena de televisión en su
página web, "en algún momento entre la noche del martes y esta mañana, ABC
News recibió un fax de alguien que decía ser Bryce Williams", el nombre
profesional utilizado por Flanigan mientras trabajó en WDBJ7.
Tras cometer el asesinato, en tono a las 10.00 (hora local) el presunto
asesinó llamó a la cadena para confesar su crimen. "Mientras estaba al
teléfono, dijo que las autoridades 'están detrás de mí' y 'están por todas
partes'. Colgó", explica la ABC News en su página web. En el documento,
Flanigan explicaba que el crimen estaba motivado por el asesinato racista de
la iglesia de Charleston.
El Gobierno de Estados Unidos insistió en la urgencia de que el Congreso
actúe con "sentido común" para reducir la violencia armada en el país, tras
crimen de este miércoles.
"Hay algunas cosas de sentido común que solo el Congreso puede hacer y que
sabemos que tendrían un efecto tangible en la reducción de la violencia
armada en el país", dijo el portavoz de la Casa Blanca, Josh Earnest, en su
rueda de prensa diaria.
Earnest recordó que el presidente de EEUU, Barack Obama, pide desde hace
tiempo al Congreso que tome ese tipo de medidas y "cree que ellos (los
legisladores) deberían hacerlo".
El grupo de
telecomunicaciones Altice ha llegado a un acuerdo definitivo para adquirir
el operador estadounidense Cablevision por 17.700 millones de dólares
(15.639 millones de euros), según informa la empresa en un comunicado.
Altice explica que la compra de Cablevision aumentará su presencia en el
mercado estadounidense tras la adquisición de Suddenlink a principios de
este año y destaca que el negocio conjunto de ambos operadores equivale al
cuatro mayor operador de cable en el país.
Según los términos del acuerdo, la firma luxemburguesa fundada por el
multimillonario Patrick Drahi y matriz de la operadora francesa Numericable
pagará 34,90 dólares en efectivo por cada acción de Cablevision, cantidad
que será financiada tanto con deuda nueva y existente como con efectivo
disponible.
Con 3,1 millones de clientes, Cablevision es el operador líder en la zona
metropolitana de Nueva York, que supone el mercado de cable más atractivo de
Estados Unidosdebido a su densidad de población y a su afluencia.
Altice afirma que el enfoque de Cablevision en los servicios, la innovación
y la inversión supone una sólida base para ampliar su liderazgo y su impulsa
de crecimiento, y cree que la compañía está preparada para prestar a sus
clientes los servicios de nueva generación compitiendo de forma eficaz en el
mercado.
Asimismo, destaca que Cablevision se beneficiará de la experiencia operativa
internacional, el mayor tamaño y el apoyo de inversión que suponen el modelo
de negocio y la estrategia de Altice. Además, añade que Cablevision y
Suddenlink operarán con estructuras operativas independientes.
