Looks like even big money and a mob-like grip can’t keep one New York startup down. A cluster of broadcast companies filed an injunction against online TV startup Aereo back in May, claiming that its very existence threatened their big, bad business.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan threw out the injunction, siding with Aereo’s argument that its business would also be harmed if the injunction went through.
According to Reuters, “Nathan concluded that the so-called ‘balance of hardships’ did not tip ‘decidedly’ in the broadcasters’ favor.”
Broadcast companies like News Corp. and NBC have good reason to be nervous about Aereo. Betabeat saw Aereo demo at a New York Tech Meetup a few months back and we were certainly not the only ones floored–the presentation was greeted with hearty applause.
The power the broadcast companies wield will undoubtedly be one of the biggest hurdles Aereo faces as they continue to iterate. Lucky for them, Barry Diller–who has a background in network television working for Fox–is on their side.
UPDATE:
Aereo emailed the following statement to Betabeat:
“Today’s decision shows that when you are on the right side of the law, you can stand up, fight the Goliath and win,” said Aereo CEO and Founder Chet Kanojia. “This isn’t just a win for Aereo, it’s also a significant win for consumers who are demanding more choice and flexibility in the way they watch television.”
