Technologie i telekomunikacja · 1.04.2004

Comment Sought on “Request for Expedited Declaratory Ruling” Concerning the Territorial Exclusivity Rule

This document seeks comment on a "Request for Expedited Declaratory Ruling" submitted by Max Media of Montana LLC. Max Media contends that the NBC television network and Sunbelt Communications Company and companies it controls have an agreement under which NBC will not renew its current NBC affiliation with Max Media's KTGF-TV in Great Falls, Montana, when that affiliation agreement expires in 2005. Max Media contends that the alleged agreement constitutes an arrangement between Sunbelt and a network organization (i.e., NBC) with regard to Sunbelt's stations in communities other than Great Falls, Montana, which "prevents or hinders another broadcast station located in a different community (i.e., Max Media's station in Great Falls) from broadcasting any program of the network organization," in violation of the Commission's "territorial exclusivity" rule. Max Media requests an expedited declaratory ruling in order to terminate this controversy and to resolve a dispute concerning the territorial exclusivity rule. This proceeding will be governed by permit-but- disclose ex parte procedures that are applicable to nonrestricted proceedings.