Senate Commerce Committee Approves Low Power Radio and Satellite Bills

On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Commerce favorably reported out 1) Local Community Radio Act (S. 592) and 2) the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (S. 2764). By repealing restrictions placed on the Federal Communications Commission in 2000, the Local Community Radio Act would allow hundreds of new licenses for low power FM stations. Because low power radio stations broadcast at less than 100 watts, they can run from generators during power outages-sometimes even operating on a car battery. Non-commercial, locally based, and volunteer-run low power radio stations respond to community needs in ways that larger stations cannot. The Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) extends satellite operators' license to carry distant out-of-market network TV station signals for viewers who can't received a viewable signal from their in-market station. The bill updates the language to reflect the switch to digital TV, like the Senate Judiciary version requires the FCC to study whether the license should be phased out in favor of marketplace negotiations. It does not mandate or incentivize local service in smaller markets where local stations aren't delivered, but Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-Va.) said that was not the end of the story. "I have heard from colleagues about their desire to incentivize satellite carriers to provide more local programming in rural markets and I agree with that. As we merge the Commerce Committee bill with the judiciary's part of the reauthorization, I will make this one of my highest priorities."