Networks, affiliates reach accord

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According to reports, the big four television networks and broadcast licensee organization Network Affiliated Stations Alliance (NASA) have come to an understanding as to which group has the upper hand in certain programming decisions. The result is licensee-friendly and by extension FCC-friendly, and likely avoids FCC intervention into the matter. According to FCC rules, each licensee is exclusively responsible for whatever material goes out over its airwaves, and the new agreement affirms the right of licensees to reject or preempt network programming. It also acknowledges the licensee’s ultimate control of digital side channels.