The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pushed back a vote on Thursday over a plan to require cable operators to offer their content on devices other than a cable box.
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) have voiced their support for the delayed vote, both raising concerns over the rights of television and film creators.
The set-top box proposal was pushed back after federal regulators failed to reach a consensus over the exact details of the plan.
The aim of the proposal is to invite more competition to the industry and offer more freedom and flexibility for consumers who pay, on average, more than $200 yearly in cable box fees.
The FCC still plans to hold a future vote. The delay came after commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel raised worries over copyright infringement that TV programmers could potentially face, saying in a congressional hearing this month that the FCC may be overstepping its bounds by enforcing such a plan.
“We are still working to resolve the remaining technical and legal issues and we are committed to unlocking the set-top box for consumers across this country,” Rosenworcel said in a joint statement along with two other Democratic commissioners on Thursday.
The MPAA and DGA swiftly expressed relief over the FCC’s decision:
“The MPAA is pleased that the FCC is taking more time, and we hope they use it to ensure any set-top box proposal remains consistent with copyright policy and avoids harming creators,” said MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd, who emphasized that his organization, along with “virtually the entire creative community” is “standing up for copyright and the rights of creators.”
“We support the FCC’s goal of promoting set-top box competition, but we continue to urge the Commission to forge a path that does not undermine the creative economy,” Dodd continued. “Copyright employs more than 5.5 million U.S. workers and generates over $1 trillion in economic value – incentivizing innovation and investment in creative works enjoyed by millions around the world.”
A statement issued by the DGA on Thursday echoed Dodd’s thoughts: “The Directors Guild of America was pleased to learn that the FCC has decided to delay consideration of the set-top box proposal. Although supportive of providing consumers free choice, the DGA has vigorously expressed its concerns regarding the proposal and its potentially devastating effects on the rights and livelihoods of the creators of film and television. It is our hope that the FCC has heard the DGA and other voices and that they will craft a proposal, released for public comment in advance of any vote, that protects copyright, privacy, and the essential revenue streams that allow for the creation of entertainment programs enjoyed around the world.”
The Scene at TheGrill 2016: TheWrap's Media Leadership Conference (Photos)
TheWrap's seventh annual media, tech and entertainment conference TheGrill kicks off at the Montage Beverly Hills.
IMAX Entertainment's CEO Greg Foster speaks on the future of moviegoing in theaters, online and overseas.
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Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Entertainment Holdings, joins IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster and STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson to discuss the future of moviegoing.
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Adam Fogelson, Chairman of STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group, Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Entertainment Holdings, and Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX Entertainment, speak with TheWrap's Thom Geier.
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Will Palmer, co-founder and CEO of Movio, and Luke Xiang, Vice President of Beijing Weying Technology speak to TheWrap's Matt Pressberg about online movie ticketing in China.
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Media and guests at the Montage Beverly Hills for TheGrill 2016.
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President and General Manager of BBC America, Sarah Barnett discusses the state of TV.
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David Nevins, the CEO of Showtime Networks, Sarah Barnett, the President and General Manager of BBC America, and John Landgraf, the CEO of FX Networks and FX Productions, join TheWrap's Scott Collins to discuss the state of TV.
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John Landgraf, CEO of FX Networks and FX Productions, speaks during TheWrap's 7th Annual TheGrill at Montage Beverly Hills.
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Guests enjoy the Virtual Reality Open Demos at TheWrap's 7th Annual TheGrill at Montage Beverly Hills.
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Lawyer Nina Shaw, partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein and Lezcano, discusses dealmaking in the digital age.
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Schuyler Moore, partner at Stroock and Stroock and Lavan LLP, joins Nina Shaw on stage to speak on deal making in the digital age.
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Bonnie Eskenazi, Entertainment Partner at Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman and Machtinger LLP, and Susan Zuckerman Williams, Partner at Loeb and Loeb, also speak on dealmaking in the digital age.
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Sharon Waxman speaks with Rafi and Benny Fine during lunch TheWrap's 7th Annual TheGrill at the Montage in Beverly Hills.
Andy Howard, partner at Shamrock Capital Advisors, Carlos Jimenez, Managing Partner at Moelis and Company, Andrew Siegel, Executive Vice President at Advance Publications, and Dan Schechter, Managing Director L.E.K Consulting, discuss "What Lies Beyond the $4 Billion Media M&A Move."
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Aric Ackerman, COO of The Cavalry Productions, and Brenda Robinson, partner at Greenburg Glusker, at lunch during TheWrap's 7th Annual TheGrill at the Montage in Beverly Hills.
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VoteBlast's Ardy Falaki speaks during TheWrap's 7th Annual TheGrill at the Montage in Beverly Hills.
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Van Toffler, CEO of Gunpowder & Sky, and Charlie Corwin, CEO of Endemol Shine, speak to Sharon Waxman about the magic of story development.
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Instagram star Chantel Jeffries speaks during the Innovators Panel at TheWrap's 7th Annual TheGrill at the Montage in Beverly Hills.
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Rob Goldberg, CEO and founder of Fresno Inc, speaks at the Innovators Panel.
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Tim Staples, CEO of Shareability, Mark Popkiewicz CEO of Mirriad, internet personality Chantel Jeffries, Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu, Rob Goldberg, CEO and founder of Fresno Inc. all speak at the Innovators Panel.
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Entertainment, media and technology converge at TheWrap’s seventh annual Grill Conference at the Montage Beverly Hills
TheWrap's seventh annual media, tech and entertainment conference TheGrill kicks off at the Montage Beverly Hills.