However , commercial stations have the option to opt - out of must - carry , and require financial compensation for their carriage instead .
The act mandated that cable providers carry all local full - power or otherwise qualified broadcast television stations on their service .
Commercial stations have the option to opt - out of must - carry , and require financial compensation for their carriage instead .
The act mandated that cable providers carry all local full - power or otherwise qualified broadcast television stations on their service .