And So It Begins: Retransmission Wars 2017

While most TV station retransmission agreements don't end for another seven months or so, some broadcasters are getting an early start on retransmission consent negotiations.

At least one TV station in Iowa-KXFA (FOX, Cedar Rapids) has already sent out their retransmission consent proposal for 2018-2020. And as most cable operators were anticipating, their initial proposal calls for an increase of around 37% in 2018 versus 2017 fees, with 2nd and 3rd year increases of another 12-14%.

Also, NCTC recently advised its members that consultants are already reaching out to cable operators on behalf of client TV stations to start the negotiation process. As we found the last couple of cycles by dealing primarily with corporate attorneys representing their TV station groups, the process has become far more involved and potentially nasty than the "good old days" where you communicated directly with a TV station's manager.

​Enjoy your summer. Fall is likely to be a stressful time.

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