This bill aims to enhance access to in-State television broadcast programming for cable and satellite subscribers in specific counties. It amends the Communications Act of 1934 and title 17 of the United States Code to allow subscribers in designated "covered counties" to choose to receive an "in-State, adjacent-market network station retransmission." This means they can access a network affiliate from within their state, even if that station is located in a local market adjacent to, rather than directly within, their own. A "covered county" is defined as one of several specific counties in Wisconsin that does not have a local television broadcast station affiliated with the same network and whose community of license is in Wisconsin. For cable operators, if a subscriber elects this adjacent-market retransmission, it fulfills the operator's existing obligation to provide a local network station signal. Furthermore, these retransmissions are exempt from certain retransmission consent requirements and are deemed "significantly viewed" in the covered county. Satellite carriers are also required to offer this option, subject to technical feasibility, and providing such a retransmission does not negatively impact their "qualified carrier" status. The bill also modifies copyright law, ensuring that these in-State, adjacent-market retransmissions do not count against existing limits for distant signal carriage. This comprehensive approach ensures that subscribers in these specific areas gain greater access to relevant in-state programming.
This bill aims to enhance access to in-State television broadcast programming for cable and satellite subscribers in specific counties. It amends the Communications Act of 1934 and title 17 of the United States Code to allow subscribers in designated "covered counties" to choose to receive an "in-State, adjacent-market network station retransmission." This means they can access a network affiliate from within their state, even if that station is located in a local market adjacent to, rather than directly within, their own. A "covered county" is defined as one of several specific counties in Wisconsin that does not have a local television broadcast station affiliated with the same network and whose community of license is in Wisconsin. For cable operators, if a subscriber elects this adjacent-market retransmission, it fulfills the operator's existing obligation to provide a local network station signal. Furthermore, these retransmissions are exempt from certain retransmission consent requirements and are deemed "significantly viewed" in the covered county. Satellite carriers are also required to offer this option, subject to technical feasibility, and providing such a retransmission does not negatively impact their "qualified carrier" status. The bill also modifies copyright law, ensuring that these in-State, adjacent-market retransmissions do not count against existing limits for distant signal carriage. This comprehensive approach ensures that subscribers in these specific areas gain greater access to relevant in-state programming.