John Kerry

I think what we've put on the table respects that, but it requires a simple level of both transparency and a judgment.

Well, we're going to have to figure out whether we need to get at those kinds of numbers in order to think through what's the reality of the dislocation in the marketplace here.

I totally understand that. And I can remember that we've met over the years, 25 years now, many times with the broadcasters coming in and complaining about their lack of power in the marketplace, which is why I commented earlier on the…

I think transparency may be one of the most effective ways to try to deal with this

So, you're suggesting we'd only have pay-TV.

I can remember, frankly, the broadcasters' arrogance, in the early years, as cable first came out.

Thank you very much, Senator Ensign.

$30- to $40-billion.

We're here today with a group of senior industry officials to examine the recent disputes between video distributors and broadcasters.

How much would you----

You've never walked out and said, 'Boy, we got screwed in that one'?

The fact that the government is requiring retransmission consent really creates your business plan.

You think that would please the American people?

Is it not possible to negotiate those agreements without taking signals off the air?

The greatest measurement of our democracy is the freedom it gives its people to express their views and have access to a myriad of ideas and information.

The old rules are outdated and to continue with the status quo is bad for consumers, competition and democratic participation.

The old rules are outdated, and to continue with the status quo is bad for consumers, competition, and democratic participation.

Thank you, Mr. Rutledge.

The tables have turned, and now, indeed, there is a very significant revenue issue.

What about what I've suggested, which is even short of a binding arbitration, where we're not getting into sort of forcing people away from the market decision, but we're at least creating a judgment about the negotiation process itself…

I think we ought to dispel ourselves of the myth that this is just a free market.

Chairman Kerry's proposed legislation would make this authority explicit.

Thank you very much, Mr. Britt.

Congress created retransmission consent 18 years ago as a new property right to subsidize free, over-the-air broadcasting.

I come to the floor today to support extending a critically needed program that provides hope to 250,000 of our poorest families. I am joined by Senators Durbin, Casey, Sherrod Brown, Bingaman, Burris, Harkin, Leahy, Boxer, Menendez, Reed…