DirecTV Accused of Deceptive Ads by US Regulator

MarketWatch: DirecTV has been charged by the Federal Trade Commission for alleged deceptive advertising. The charge centers on DirecTV’s discounted 12-month programming package, because it fails to clearly disclose that the package requires a two-year contract. In addition, the FTC said DirecTV does not clearly disclose that the cost of the package will increase by up to $45 per month in the second year, that early cancellation fees of up to $480 apply if the package is cancelled before the end of the two-year period and that consumers have to proactively cancel “free” premium channels offered for three months to avoid automatic charges.