(BLACK PR WIRE) ( March 5, 2010) WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As Cablevision and the Disney Corporation work through the terms of their latest retransmission consent agreement, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is asking the Federal Communications Commission to protect consumer welfare by ensuring that coverage of WABC-TV will continue during the companies negotiations. 

Over the years, Disney and Cablevision have maintained quality consumer service during these renegotiation periods, and NBCSL wants to make sure that the legacy of consumer first continues.
While NBCSL is not taking sides in this negotiation, which we view as private between the two companies involved, we are concerned about the potential consumer harm that could result if service is discontinued, noted NBCSL President Representative Calvin Smyre. We want to be sure that people are able to receive the same channels and broadcast options they have become accustomed to, and of which they sacrifice monthly to afford. NBCSL is therefore calling on the companies to continue transmission of all channels during their negotiations, and is looking to the FCC to intervene, if need be, to protect the consumer interest. 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS (NBCSL)
NBCSL is a body of over 625 African American state legislators from across the country who are committed to educating and empowering its members and to upholding four fundamental objectives: to serve as a national network and clearinghouse for the discussion, dissemination and exchange of ideas and information among African American state legislators and their staffs; to provide research, training and educational services to African American state legislators and their staffs; to improve the effectiveness and quality of African American state legislators; and to serve as a strong, united and effective advocate for African American state legislators and their constituencies at the federal level.

Source: National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL)