WASHINGTON, DC -- Upon learning of the removal of the "Local Choice" broadcast-only a la carte proposal from the Satellite Television Access and Viewer Rights Act (STAVRA) by the Senate Commerce Committee, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"NAB is thankful for the consideration Senate Commerce Committee members gave the 'Local Choice' proposal and for recognizing the unintended negative consequences this measure would have had on localism, broadcasters and our millions of viewers. We thank the nearly 130,000 viewers and listeners across America who have called and e-mailed Congress on the importance of preserving free and local television.
"We remain seriously concerned with a number of provisions remaining in the Commerce Committee bill, and we look forward to working with committee members as STAVRA moves through the legislative process to ensure our viewers' continued access to lifeline local television."
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller and Ranking Member John Thune issued the following statement last night regarding "Local Choice":
"During the last month, Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Thune have successfully begun a discussion on Local Choice, which would empower TV viewers, maintain our policy of broadcast localism, and ensure TV stations get fairly compensated for the retransmission of their signals. Because it is a big and bold idea, Local Choice deserves more discussion and a full consideration by policymakers, and the Committee may not have time to include it as part of STAVRA. Rockefeller and Thune are focused on passing STAVRA next week, and continuing to work with their colleagues on Local Choice."
About
NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests
in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education
and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities,
strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital
age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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