Major Network affiliates, such as WAGA and WSB, are raising ETC retransmission fees 2000 percent, in some cases.Broadcasting companies, like ETC are charged for transmission signals by major networks to run shows from these affiliates. These fees are known as retransmission fees because the broadcast companies retransmit the signal from the major networks in order to run their programs. Every three years the fees are renegotiated.

If ETC agrees to pay the increase in fees, which will allow it to continue to show programs from these certain affiliates, a portion of the cost will be passed on to ETC customers. ETC, though, is reluctant to pay the substantial increases for retransmission fees based on the company’s commitment to providing quality programming at affordable prices. If ETC decides not to pay the increases, these affiliate channels will be blacked-out.

In 2011, ETC paid 16 percent in increases and, according to a recent statement by the company, will continue to negotiate with the networks.

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