The NAB asked the FCC to rule that satellite operators must carry both the HD and SD digital channels of all stations in any market where they carry one station in both formats.
The rules currently require the satellite operators to carry all local TV stations in any market where they carry any station.
The NAB, in a filing last week, argued that satellite operators should be subject to “viewability” rules similar to those applied to cable operators in a ruling last fall. The broadcast trade group said, in fact, it would be discrimination if the satellite operators were allowed to cherry pick the stations they carry.
The satellite operators argue such a “carry one, carry all” requirement would be an undue burden that would force other programming off its services.
