House Committee Approves Satellite Reauthorization Bill

On Thursday, the House Commerce Committee approved the Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization and Extension Act, a bill granting satellite operators a compulsory license to carry distant TV network station signals. The bill grants a blanket license to satellite operators to import distant TV network affiliate stations to viewers in a market who can't get a viewable version of their local affiliate and includes a provision allowing Dish network back into the distant network signal business in exchange for reaching all 210 markets. The bill makes clear that satellite operators are not required to carry TV stations' multicast signals.

• H.R. 2994, the Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization Act - Reported favorably, as amended, by a voice vote
• H.R. 2994, Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute - Rep. Boucher - Agreed to by a voice vote
• Amendment - Rep. Eshoo - Agreed to by a voice vote