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Local Satellite Channels

In order to ensure that all Americans have access to local broadcasts, I have introduced the Satellite Consumers’ Right to Local Channels Act (H.R. 927), which would require satellite carriers to provide universal local-into-local service in all 210 Designated Market Areas (DMA) by one year after the enactment of this law. Access to local broadcasts is important for all Americans. In addition to emergency information, weather alerts, and other critical safety information that only local stations provide, these broadcasts are also a vital source for news and information about the community.

However, according to the latest FCC filings, of the 210 DMAs in the United States, DISH Network only provides local-into-local service in 165 DMAs, while DirecTV only provides local-into-local service in 144 DMAs. DISH Network customers in 45 DMAs and DirecTV customers in 66 DMAs cannot view local broadcasts. As a result, small commercial and public broadcasters serving nearly 2.7 million American households have been ignored. Without a hard date, local commercial and public broadcasters will be unable to provide local programs to their viewing areas without the assistance of the satellite industry.

In response to my efforts, DISH Network on July 8, 2009, launched local-into-local channels in the Marquette DMA bringing local channels to nearly 90,000 Northern Michigan residents for the first time. These channels include WBUP (ABC), WLUC (NBC), WNMU (PBS), with WJMN (CBS) scheduled to launch at a later date. These channels will be broadcast in Standard Definition initially and will be carried as High Definition no later than 2013. While this is a win for Upper Peninsula residents, the Alpena DMA remains unserved, meaning more work needs to be done.

It is important that Congress continue to support universal service and fair treatment for all consumers, regardless of where they live. H.R. 927 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. As a member of the Subcommittee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that all Americans have access to their local TV broadcasts.