BILL NUMBER: S4653
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general obligations law, in relation to agreements
between multichannel video programming distributors and video program-
mers
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL::
This bill would enhance consumer choice and affordability in programming
by allowing multichannel video programming distributors
(MVPDs) to offer more flexible and customizable programming packages.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS::
Section one of the bill relates to the title and legislative findings.
Section two of the bill amends the general obligations law as it relates
to agreements between multichannel video programming distributors and
video programmers including prohibiting restrictive conditions in
programming agreements, such as minimum penetration requirements,
mandated packaging or tiering, and other channel offering restrictions.
It also requires programmers to offer their content to multichannel
video programming distributors unbundled.
Section three of the bill relates to the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
The practice of channel bundling and the imposition of minimum pene-
tration provisions by video programmers can significantly limit consumer
choice, increase costs, and stifle competition among multichannel video
programming distributors (MVPDs), including cable, satellite, and other
distributors. This bill aims to address these issues by enhancing
consumer choice and ensuring that MVPDs have the flexibility to offer
programming packages that best meet the needs and preferences of their
subscribers.
By allowing MVPDs to offer more flexible and customizable programming
packages, this legislation will foster a more competitive and consumer-
friendly market for video programming distribution. Ultimately, this
will benefit the public by providing greater access to affordable
programming options, ensuring that consumers are not forced to pay for
channels they do not want or need.
This legislation is an important step towards creating a fairer and more
dynamic video programming market, where consumer preferences drive the
offerings.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law and shall apply to contracts
entered into on or after such date.