Members of Congress Urge AT&T and Sinclair to Avoid Local TV Blackout

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) was among eleven Members of Congress to urge the CEO's of AT&T and Sinclair Broadcast Group to avoid a blackout of local TV stations, which could occur September 27. Signing the letter were: Representatives Andy Harris (MD-01), Frank D. Lucas (OK-03), Devin Nunes (CA-22), Tom Cole (OK-04), Randy Weber (TX-14), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Chip Roy (TX-21), Denver Lee Riggleman III (VA-05), John Rose (TN-06) and Brian Mast (FL-18).

The text of the letter follows:

"September 26, 2019

Mr. Randall Stephenson Mr. Christopher Ripley

CEO CEO

AT&T Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

208 South Akard Street 10706 Beaver Dam Road

Dallas, TX 75202 Hunt Valley, MD 21030

We've been made aware that due to a dispute between AT&T and Sinclair, commencing September 27 at 5:00 PM EDT, Sinclair stations could be dropped from millions of AT&T U-verse, DIRECTV and AT&T TV NOW subscribers, including in our districts and states.

If this happens, our constituents could be deprived of important local information, including news, weather, traffic, and emergency information. This would be unfair to our constituents, who rely on their local stations.

While we take no position regarding contract offers from either of the two companies, we urge the two sides to in good faith expeditiously reach agreement so that access to these local stations by our constituents is not disrupted. Denial of service is unfair and unnecessary.

Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Rep. Andy Harris made the following statement accompanying the letter:

"Our constituents should not be held hostage in contract negotiations between AT&T and Sinclair. Purposefully causing a blackout of local TV to gain perceived leverage in a contract dispute cuts people off from important local broadcasts and even emergency information when needed. While many factors contribute to pricing decisions, we are simply urging these companies to maintain access to local TV. Do not cause our local TV broadcasts to go dark."

For media inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris' Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact John Dutton at John.Dutton@mail.house.gov.