CEA Responds to Court Ruling on Broadcast Flag: Decision Will Have No Impact on DTV Transition

Business Wire, May 6, 2005

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding today's ruling by a U.S. Court of Appeals, finding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had no jurisdiction to promulgate the so-called broadcast flag regulations:

"The broadcast flag was designed to protect over-the-air television broadcast content from mass, anonymous redistribution over the Internet. Courts are right to be wary when government institutions seek to regulate the specific features and functions of safe, useful consumer technology. We look forward to studying the Court's ruling in greater detail with a focus on continuing efforts to preserve the freedom to innovate while protecting the interests of patent and copyright owners.

"This ruling will have no impact on the nation's successful, ongoing transition to digital television (DTV). Indeed, policy makers should continue to focus on the key issues that will help accelerate and ensure a consumer-friendly approach to the transition, specifically setting a hard date for ending analog television signals."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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