Rebel nets still fretting over Fritts
NAB prexy remains sticking point
|
Fuhgeddaboudit.
Two years ago, ownership limits pitted ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox against the rest of the membership, which wanted to keep the limits low.
Since then, however, a federal court blocked the FCC's plan to raise limits to 45%. Congress later set the cap at 39%, a slight increase from the previous limit of 35%.
With the ownership dispute effectively settled for now, and with the expected drafting of digital TV legislation this fall that will affect all broadcasters, the time seemed right for the entire industry to unite once again.
"Wounds take time to heal," says NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton. "We hope that over time, all of the networks see the value in being under the NAB umbrella."
Well, none but the Mouse see that value so far.
While the holdout nets declined to comment on the rumors, it's known that the sticking point remains NAB prexy Eddie Fritts, whom they considered their enemy during the ownership spat and whom they've not yet forgiven. Only when Fritts is gone will they look at possibly rejoining NAB.
Earlier this year Fritts announced his intention to step down, but he's remaining onboard until a successor is chosen. Insiders guess that may happen in October.
