Broadcast TV Fee

December 7, 2022

Understanding the Broadcast TV Fee
The Broadcast TV Fee is an itemized charge that you'll see on your bill from here on out. The itemization of this fee is not increasing your total bill at this time—the amount of the fee is already included in the cost of your package. This is not a government-mandated fee—it represents a portion of the increasing costs GCI incurs to provide local broadcast TV stations to viewers across the state, such as NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and others. These costs include the fees broadcast TV stations charge GCI to carry their channels.

 

Who will see the Broadcast TV Fee on their bill?
Customers on certain video plans will not see an itemized Broadcast TV Fee. Check your bill to identify your plan name. Customers on the following plans are subject to the itemized Broadcast TV Fee:

  • AK Core TV
  • More
  • Total

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Broadcast TV Fee on my statement?

The Broadcast TV Fee is not a government-mandated fee—it represents a portion of the costs GCI incurs to provide your broadcast TV stations, such as NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and others. These costs include the fees broadcast TV stations charge GCI to carry their channels. 

We always negotiate with broadcasters to get the fairest rates possible, but despite our efforts, these rates have increased dramatically over the last decade. Like many other cable and satellite companies, GCI can no longer continue to absorb these increased costs. As a result, GCI has instituted a Broadcast TV Fee that reflects a portion of the costs that we incur to deliver Alaska broadcast stations, including the fees we pay Alaska’s broadcasters to receive their content. 

Why can broadcast TV stations charge for carriage of their signals?

Broadcasters offer their signals out for free over the air using free spectrum granted to them by the FCC, which means taxpayers subsidize the distribution of broadcast TV signals. However, federal law also prohibits cable, satellite and streaming service operators from offering these signals to our customers without the station’s permission. This structure allows broadcasters to charge for their signals, and if cable and satellite companies like GCI don't agree to pay, broadcast TV stations can force us to drop their channels, which adversely impacts customers like you.

Do other TV providers have this charge?

Yes. For the last several years, many cable and satellite companies have begun charging a broadcast TV fee to help separately cover the costs to deliver broadcast TV stations.

Are all local broadcast or network-affiliated TV stations charging GCI?

Most broadcast TV stations require payment from any cable, streaming, or satellite provider to retransmit their programming. These significant fees are taken into account when calculating the Broadcast TV Fee.

If you are trying to control costs, why does my bill seem to go up every year?

While we work hard to keep prices as low as possible, the rates for almost every channel we carry increases on a yearly basis. Our Broadcast channels are some of the most expensive channels we carry, and despite GCI’s best efforts to negotiate low rates, these costs are increasing every single year.

I have GCI TV at my business. Will this charge appear on my GCI Business bill?

The Broadcast TV Fee applies to most small businesses who have Business Plus TV or Business Total TV, unless you have a separate contract for TV service.