Today a number of public interest groups, including Free Press (also a leader in the grassroots push to preserve net neutrality) challenged TV Everywhere, a content delivery concept supported by cable companies, such as Comcast and Time Warner, that would allow paid subscribers to watch selected shows not just on their TV, but via their computer and eventually mobile devices – all with one login. The political posturing is gearing up.
The Issue
In a nutshell, “Free Press and other consumer groups are calling on federal antitrust authorities and Congress to investigate agreements among giant media companies to stifle competition in the emerging market for online television programming.” Why now? In addition to accusations of reported industry collusion, TV Everywhere is no longer just a concept. Comcast recently rolled out a trial version to some of its customers (branded Xfinity) in December and Time Warner is busy working on its version.
Free Press issued a policy paper called “TV Nowhere,” which lays out the importance of keeping a competitive marketplace for Internet TV viewing for consumers and the potential negative impact of TV Everywhere.
Similar TV Everywhere models are being rolled out in Europe and also face hurdles, though the respective regulatory systems and broadcast funding models are very different.
Too Big to Ignore
Look for Congress to have at least one hearing on the topic over the next few months. (It’s an election year, after all!) Also, with billions at stake in the marketplace and tens of millions of consumers set to be impacted, this review will require time to research. Keep in mind that consumers are already unhappy about rising cable bills.
Additional Resources:
*Public interest groups call for antitrust probe of TV Everywhere (Washington Post )
*Groups Ask DOJ for ‘TV Everywhere’ Investigation (PC Magazine)
*Comcast Launches “TV Everywhere”: Say Goodbye to Free Online Television (HuffPo)
*Comcast Launches ‘Xfinity’ Internet Video -TV Everywhere gets a name, goes live… (Broadband DSL Reports)
Connect!