The National Assn. of Broadcasters has signed Gephardt Government Affairs to defend the current retransmission consent system, where cable and satellite companies must negotiate a deal to carry network TV fare.

NAB claims its members depend on cable/TV fees to fund local news and top-notch programs.

Time Warner Cable, DISH and DirectTV are leading the fight to overhaul the current system.

The trio claims broadcasters demand fees for programs—some which they don’t want- that airs over-the-air free on local TV stations and on the Internet. An a la carte pricing system is their goal.

Former House Majority Leader and Democratic presidential hopeful Dick Gephardt leads the charge for the NAB with his former chief of staff Tom O’Donnell and ex-legislative director for Sen. Sue Collins.

NAB shelled  $10.6M in D.C. lobbying through the nine months of this year at places like Podesta Group, Monument Policy Group, Elmendorf Ryan and Glover Park Group.

TWC spent $6M during the time frame at Downey McGrath, Raben Group, McBee Strategic Consulting and Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock.