Television Carriage Election Deadline Fast Approaching

Television stations have until October 1, 2014 to let cable and DBS providers know whether the station elects mandatory carriage or retransmission consent for the next 3-year carriage cycle. The next 3-year carriage cycle is from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017.

The election must be in writing and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. The required content of the election letters is slightly different between cable and DBS providers, so stations should pay close attention. DBS providers must respond within 30 days to an election letter. Cable operators do not have an affirmative obligation to respond to election letters, but may do so if carriage is being refused or if there are signal reception problems or other issues.