June 25, 2014
Supreme Court Rules Against Aereo: Consumers Union Statement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court today ruled against Aereo, a company that picks up over-the-air TV signals and streams them over the Internet to its subscribers. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court found that the Internet start up’s service infringed on broadcasters’ copyright.
Ellen Bloom, Senior Director of Federal Policy for Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, said, “We’re disappointed that the Supreme Court has ruled to make it harder for consumers to access and watch broadcast television when and where they want. We think Aereo was on to something by filling a need for low cost, flexible viewing options. As cable prices keep skyrocketing, the consumer demand will continue to grow for more personalized, affordable ways to watch television.”
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Media contact: David Butler, dbutler@consumer.org, or Kara Kelber, kkelber@consumer.org, Consumers Union, 202-462-6262