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If Hollywood studios have their way, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will force all future televisions to include Hollywood-approved content protection technology called the "broadcast flag". Fair use, innovation and competition will suffer. What’s more, the broadcast flag technology that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has proposed is so weak that it will do nothing to stem Internet redistribution of television programs. In fact, the only people hurt will be innovators, researchers, and law-abiding consumers.

The FCC has promised a ruling before the end of October. We need you to tell the FCC that we don’t need broadcast flag regulations that hurt competition, consumers and innovators.

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Message	As a consumer of broadcast television, electronics, and computer products, I urge the Federal Communications Commission to vote against the adoption of a "broadcast flag." I am gravely concerned that a broadcast flag regulation would restrict the way I enjoy television. The digital television transition relies on convincing consumers of the benefits of switching to and buying digital television equipment. That transition will be far more palatable to me as a consumer if switching doesn't mean discarding my existing home network, buying new high-resolution displays, and finding room for yet another device in my living room. Please do not allow the MPAA and its allies to hinder the transition by making us buy special-purpose DTV devices that are more expensive and less valuable. In addition, I am very concerned about the fair-use implications of the broadcast flag. With today's technology, I can be more than a passive recipient of content -- I can modify, create, and participate. I can record TV to watch later; clip a small piece of TV and splice it into a home movie; send an email clip of my child's football game to a distant relative; or record a TV program onto a DVD and play it at my friend's apartment. The broadcast flag seems designed to remove this control and flexibility that I enjoy. If the move to digital television does not make the public's viewing experience more enjoyable, flexible, and exciting, what compelling reason do I have as a consumer to buy new digital equipment? A prettier TV picture is hardly enough reason for me to dispense with all my current consumer electronics and computer equipment. As a citizen and consumer of broadcast television, I urge you to promote the digital transition by opposing the broadcast flag.

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