Making Broadcast Television More Accessible for American Families

Sen John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV -- Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee -- and Sen John F. Kerry -- Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet -- introduced the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2009 which reauthorizes the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (SHVERA). SHVERA provides satellite carriers with a copyright and communications regulatory framework to retransmit broadcast television signals to subscribers throughout America. With key portions of SHVERA set to expire at the end of this year and changes necessary to reflect the digital television transition, its reauthorization is necessary so satellite and broadcast services to consumers can continue undisturbed.