Independent Television Networks Join Forces to Push for Lower Prices and More Diversity

Independent Television Networks Join Forces to Push for Lower Prices and More Diversity

Consumers to Benefit from a More Competitive Television Programming Environment Advocated by Independent Networks

WASHINGTON, June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Numerous leading independent television networks have joined forces under NAIN, the National Association of Independent Networks, to petition the Federal Communications Commission to create a more competitive television programming arena, leading to lower prices and more choices for consumers.

The participating networks which represent a diverse group of national television programmers, from sports channels to some of the most well established high definition channels to minority focused networks, met with FCC Chairman Martin yesterday to express their support for a more competitive television programming environment. NAIN members also visited with various members of Congress, advocating more programming competition and fair cable and satellite access consideration.

"Our group, the National Association of Independent Networks, is working closely with other trade associations and consumer advocacy groups to provide a more competitive environment in cable programming, directly benefiting consumers with higher quality programming, lower cable prices, more diversity and real choices," stated Charles Herring, a spokesperson for NAIN and president of WealthTV. "The independent networks have been informally gathering over the years, but after our industry's recent trade show in New Orleans, we decided that it was time to formalize our group and push for a number of items long overdue and limiting cable programming competition."

NAIN has spoken out against a common programming practice called "program tying", where large media companies require cable operators to carry less desired channels in order to receive more popular networks. The practice of "program tying" consumes bandwidth, limiting cable companies from considering other programming choices, stifling competition.

NAIN has also urged action to improve enforcement of the 1992 Cable Act, and streamline the FCC's rules that protect independent networks from illegal program carriage decisions.

About NAIN, the National Association of Independent Networks

The National Association of Independent Networks, NAIN, is a newly formed trade organization dedicated to addressing the needs of independent cable programming networks in a positive and proactive way. NAIN's advocacy efforts for a more competitive programming environment benefit consumers with lower prices, higher quality programming, greater diversity and more choices. The group is comprised of well established independent cable programming networks along with pre and post launched emerging networks. NAIN represents a wide range of independent programming networks from sports related channels to some of the nation's most well established high definitions to minority focused networks. A partial list of founding members includes HD Net, the Hispanic Information & Telecommunications Network, The Horror Channel, and WealthTV. For more information, please visit http://www.nainonline.org/

    For more information, contact:     Charles Herring    President    WealthTV,    A Founding Member Representative    Phone:  858-270-6900    http://www.wealthtv.net/  

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Source: National Association of Independent Networks

CONTACT: Charles Herring, President of WealthTV, A Founding Member
Representative, +1-858-270-6900, for National Association of Independent
Networks

Web site: http://www.nainonline.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment