Big Four deny they bully affils
Nets blast NASA in FCC filings
In separate papers filed with the regulatory agency, nets roundly blasted the Network Affiliated Stations Alliance (NASA), which represents more than 600 ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates.
NASA has asked the FCC to explore charges that the nets are strong-arming them when it comes to programming and station sales -- an allegation the nets deny.
NBC declared in its filing, "NASA has launched an overblown, overreaching attack against the networks in a desperate attempt to draw the FCC into the business negotiations and contractual relationships between the networks and their affiliated stations."
In May, the FCC launched a general inquiry into the complaint brought against ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. NASA had wanted the FCC to adjudicate the complaint post haste, but the FCC declined to out-and-out investigate specific allegations of wrongdoing by the Big Four. FCC decision was a victory for the nets.
Media execs believe that the station groups brought the NASA petition, in anticipation of the repeal of a crucial ownership cap presently blocking nets from much further growth.
If the cap -- which prohibits a broadcaster from reaching more than 35% of the national audience -- is lifted, nets may begin scouring the landscape for stations to buy. Hence, affils want the FCC in their corner.
