The broadcast industry should stop pushing for regulations on other industries, "remove its shackles" and market the value of its digital service to consumers, said Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro.
Shapiro shared his views on the DTV transition and the broadcast industry in a speech delivered April 18 during NAB2005 in Las Vegas.
The age of digital broadcasting has confronted television broadcasters with “significant challenges,” which “they have refused to tackle” as well as opportunities “they have refused to embrace," he said.
"For too long, broadcasters have tried to enhance or even save themselves by pushing for regulations on other industries," he said. "Too many competitors and innovations are out there — all competing for the same eyeballs — for that approach to be successful in the long run."
Shapiro's comments came as the NAB called on the FCC to reject a CEA effort to delay implementation of FCC rules designed to encourage the rollout of digital television. (See “NAB, MSTV oppose change to digital tuner timetable” .)
At issue is a request from the CEA that the commission advance the deadline for manufacturers to include digital tuners in all televisions with screens sized 25in to 36in from July 1, 2006, to March 1, 2006. In exchange, the association is urging the commission to eliminate the July 1, 2005, deadline that requires 50 percent of sets offered for sale in this size range include a digital tuner.
For more information, visit www.ce.org.
