WGAW Supports FCC Action on TV Set-Top Box Competition

LOS ANGELES -- The Writers Guild of America West issued the following statement today in support of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal to increase television set-top box competition:

“With the announcement of his proposal to increase set-top box competition, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has once again demonstrated his commitment to advancing the development of a more competitive media landscape. Seven media conglomerates control almost all of the television programming available to American consumers, and how that content reaches their homes is dictated by an even smaller number of big companies. The Internet has enhanced content competition and increased consumer choice, but cable providers, through their proprietary set-top boxes, control the way viewers access video content on their television sets. Set-top box rules that increase competition and enable the integration of television programming and online video on one device will greatly expand consumer access to a wider range of diverse and independent programming and help level the playing field that has been dominated by too few companies for too long.”

The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is a labor union representing writers of motion pictures, television, radio, and Internet programming, including news and documentaries. Founded in 1933, the Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members. It is involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and is active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national, and international levels. For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.