"MPAA is very pleased that a broad, multi-industry consensus has been reached on the fundamental aspects of a technology, called the "broadcast flag." This broad consensus between the consumer electronics, information technology and content communities is a sizable accomplishment. It confirms that it is possible for a disparate group of people to come together in a good faith discussion.

Implementation of this broadcast flag will permit digital TV stations to obtain high value content and assure consumers a continued source of attractive, free, off-air programming.

Although the BPDG (Broadcast Protection Working Group) Report is a major step in achieving multi-industry consensus, there are still areas of disagreement, not on the broadcast flag technology itself, but on the details of how it should be implemented in digital devices and how it should be protected against circumvention. We must continue to work on resolving differences in these areas. Ultimately some of these issues may have to be decided by the Congress or the Federal Communications Commission."

June 4, 2002