The implications from a public-policy standpoint are enormous.

This is only a piece of the solution, and represents a transparent attempt by both cable operators and TV manufacturers to avoid an FCC rule desperately needed by consumers.

She'll be talking presumably about the deal where they're doing popular ABC shows for free online the day after they actually air. That raised a lot of eyebrows at TV stations. There will be a panel discussion after that where they'll talk about new revenue opportunities in new distribution.

They are looking to partner with broadcasters because they know we have something of value to them.

The National Association of Broadcasters supports the concept of the telephone companies getting into video.

At the convention we've got almost 113,000 people from all walks of communication. The industry now represents broadcasting, the Internet, streaming media, multimedia and video post-production. So this truly is a convergence marketplace.

We think of broadcast TV as a lifeline in a time of emergency. A lot of the people broadcast TV serves are poor people who don't get cable or can't afford it.

We believe satellite radio companies were licensed for national radio programming services exclusively.

We're not opposed to new technology. We are opposed to creating interference that will result in 300 million Americans not being able to watch digital television.

We would like to know what's going to get us in trouble and what's not. We'll play by the rules. Just tell us what the rules are.