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1999 Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association Show READ ALL ABOUT IT! Hewitt to NAB: Postpone Shut-offs, Again Citing delays in the ongoing process to draft compromise satellite TV legislation, Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association President Chuck Hewitt yesterday called on the National Association of Broadcasters to postpone the July 31 shut-offs of distant network stations until legislation is signed into law. “We call on the NAB to step forward and be consumer friendly and postpone the turn-off process until legislation is enacted,” Hewitt said. The turn-off process has the potential to drive down consumer confidence and satisfaction in satellite-delivered television, he added. The NAB has agreed to postpone the distant network shut-off process several times in the past, and most believe it will continue to do so for political reasons. Broadcasters recently agreed to push back the date for Grade B subscriber shut-offs from June 30 to July 31. The SBCA now does not believe there will be substantial progress on satellite TV legislation until mid-September, Hewitt said. “What we hope is that we get enough positive elements that outweigh the negative elements in any legislation that passes,” Hewitt said. At a press conference later, Hewitt said the SBCA would continue to fight for provisions in the final bill to change the network signal intensity rules and to protect rural subscribers. "This industry was born and raised in rural America," he said. "The legislation now looks like an urban bill. We've got to do something about that." Despite concerns with legislation and the distant network shut-offs, the satellite TV industry is still selling 8,000 new units a day, he said . TURN THE PAGE OTHER ISSUES TO LOOK FOR: Monday, July 19, 1999 Wednesday, July 21, 1999   Please direct questions about this site to general.mail@satbiznews.com q 1998 Satellite Business News Inc. All rights reserved.