US: After SCOTUS blow, Aero wants FCC to change the rules

Startup Aereo is reportedly asking the Federal Communications Commission to change the definition of a provider of video services as it looks for ways to resume operations following a potentially fatal blow delivered by the US Supreme Court.

SCOTUS ruled earlier this year that Aereo’s digital streaming services violated copyrights owned by broadcasters. To bypass this, the company is now seeking permission from the FCC to operate as a cable-TV provider, according to reports.

To do so, the FCC would need to alter the legal definition of a multichannel video program distributor, or MVPD, according to a filing made with the FCC.

”We believe that clarifying the MVPD definition to narrowly include linear online video services like Aereo’s would have clear benefits to consumers, creators and distributors alike,” the company said in a blog post. “Should the FCC move on this issue it would be a meaningful and important step forward for competition in the video marketplace.”

Reports say the company is looking to be allowed to acquire licenses and negotiate rights to retransmit content. The nation’s highest court ruled that Aereo violated copyright law by transmitting live and recorded programming through the Internet; now, it is seeking to operate like a cable-TV provider.

The US Copyright Office announced in July it would not take action against Aereo regarding licensing until the courts clarify the company’s status.

Full content: Businessweek

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