MVPD Consolidations Could Hurt Small, Diverse Programmers, Starz Says

between multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and independent programmers "is so significant that most companies will not raise concerns to the FCC or in public for fear of retribution," Starz said, saying that was the reason the topic came up so little in AT&T/DirecTV merger. While that merger is expected to lead to lower programming costs for AT&T/DirecTV, those cuts likely will fall heavily on small and independent content providers, Starz said. The FCC's public interest responsibilities need to include paying attention to the fact major MVPDs will lean toward "programming with the broadest appeal to the detriment of niche and diverse audiences and at the expense of small and independent programmers," Starz said. The filing detailed a series of meetings between Starz and FCC representatives, including network CEO Chris Albrecht; Omari Hardwick, star of the Starz series Power; FCC General Counsel Jonathan Sallet; and Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel. Starz didn't oppose the AT&T/DirecTV merger but signed a new carriage deal with AT&T shortly after the FCC approved the merger last week.