Broadcast Flag Arguments Next Week

The oral arguments on the broadcast flag case in the U.S. Court of Appeals Court will be held next Tuesday, Feb. 22. Although it’s a TV matter, digital radio advocates are watching to see if a precedent is set that may affect satellite and HD Radios.
Public Knowledge and other organizations challenged the authority of the FCC to institute the broadcast flag rule, which requires consumer electronics and other devices such as TiVos, iPods, digital VCRs and cell phones to be able to block copying of over-the-air digital TV content at the wishes of content owners. Organizations including the Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and several libraries said the FCC exceeded its authority to institute the broadcast flag rule.