Broadcaster CTA Challenges Pearl TV's Allegations of Favoritism over NextGen TV Receiver Regulations
In a heated debate, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have voiced their opposing views on the government mandating ATSC 3.0 tuners for TVs.
The CTA, representing tech manufacturers, argues against the mandate primarily on grounds of increased costs for consumers, low market demand for ATSC 3.0, and concerns about innovation and regulatory overreach. According to their analysis, TVs with ATSC 3.0 tuners cost an average of $157 more than comparable models without them, and data indicates a decline in over-the-air (OTA) viewership, with only about 19-23 million U.S. households using OTA TV in 2025[1][2].
CTA maintains that switching to ATSC 3.0 should remain voluntary, allowing broadcasters to promote and educate consumers rather than imposing regulatory requirements. They also express worries about the certification process for ATSC 3.0 devices, which they claim lacks transparency and external oversight, potentially limiting competition[2].
However, NAB, representing broadcasters, has raised similar arguments during a meeting with FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, stating that the objections from certain players in the ecosystem are disingenuous and anticompetitive[3]. NAB claims that certain players in the ecosystem are threatening a competitive free video service available to consumers nationwide.
Gary Shapiro, CEO and vice chair of the CTA, has pushed back on claims that consumer tech manufacturers have a conflict of interest in opposing new regulations for ATSC 3.0 tuner mandates. He questions the lack of marketing, advertising, and compelling reasons for consumers to care about ATSC 3.0[4]. Shapiro proposes that the government could mandate a more productive use of broadcaster spectrum to help reduce the national deficit.
Shapiro criticises the NAB for demanding government intervention to prop up their declining business and claims that broadcasters are lobbying the government to mandate a technology that could directly enrich them[5]. He also criticises broadcasters for not bothering to sell ATSC 3.0 effectively and suggests that they should stop spending money on lobbying for ATSC 3.0 mandates and start creating valuable content and services for consumers.
In a recent meeting with FCC staffers, broadcasters backing Pearl TV complained that TV-set manufacturers are "incentivized" to oppose ATSC 3.0 tuners due to competition for ads and audiences[6]. The NAB characterises the objections from certain players in the ecosystem as disingenuous and anticompetitive.
Shapiro's position is based on the importance of choice and the miracle of the marketplace. He concludes that the future of TV should be decided by consumers, not lobbyists. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the FCC will address these concerns and whether a mandate for ATSC 3.0 tuners will be implemented.
[1] https://www.cta.tech/News/Press-Releases/2021/CTA-Opposes-Mandate-for-ATSC-3-0-Tuners-in-TVs [2] https://www.cnet.com/news/cta-says-atsc-3-0-mandate-would-hurt-consumers-with-higher-tv-prices/ [3] https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nab-fcc-commissioner-meeting-addresses-objections-to-atsc-3-0/ [4] https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cta-responds-to-nab-criticism-of-atsc-3-0-opposition/ [5] https://www.multichannel.com/news/broadcast/cta-ceo-slams-nab-for-demanding-atsc-3-0-mandate/572465 [6] https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/pearl-tv-broadcasters-complain-to-fcc-about-tv-set-manufacturers-opposing-atsc-3-0-tuners
- The debate between the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) revolves around the government mandating ATSC 3.0 tuners for TVs, with the CTA voicing concerns over increased costs, low market demand, and regulatory overreach.
- CTA believes that TVs with ATSC 3.0 tuners cost on average $157 more than their counterparts without the tuners, and predicts a decline in over-the-air (OTA) viewership in future years.
- CTA proposes that the switching to ATSC 3.0 should remain voluntary, allowing broadcasters to promote and educate consumers rather than imposing regulatory requirements.
- NAB, representing broadcasters, claims that certain players in the ecosystem are disingenuous and anticompetitive in their objections to ATSC 3.0 tuner mandates, and argue that it is crucial for the availability of a free, competitive video service.
- Gary Shapiro, CEO and vice chair of the CTA, criticizes the NAB for demanding government intervention to prop up their declining business and suggests that broadcasters should focus on creating valuable content and services for consumers.
- The Future of TV should be decided by consumers, not lobbyists, according to Shapiro, and the implications of ATSC 3.0 tuner mandates remain unclear as the FCC continues to deliberate on this issue.
