In comments filed June 4, NAB asked the FCC to ensure satellite carriers provided both standard definition and high definition signals of local broadcast stations. NAB's main concern is to protect consumer interests and be sure that subscribers to satellite have access to local broadcasts. Providing both standards will ensure that satellite customers have adequate access to all local programming.

NAB supported its argument with statutory authority. NAB noted that Congress specified, through the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 (SHVIA), that if a satellite carrier chooses to use a local-to-local license to carry signals in a particular market, it cannot discriminate and must carry all qualified local stations. NAB also added that the FCC itself supported subscriber access to all stations for cable customers in the Cable Carriage Order, which requires cable providers to carry local broadcasts for their customers. In order to avoid inconsistency, NAB asks the FCC to adopt provisions that allow the same access for customers who happen to view programs via satellite.

This "carry one, carry all" principal ensures the continued availability of a wide variety of diverse over-the-air channels and the continued vigorous competition among broadcasters in the local market, regardless of what service medium – cable, satellite, or over-the-air – consumers are provided. Regarding the Commission’s question of whether it should adopt "viewability" – that all subscribers in a local-into-local market are provided the ability to view all stations – NAB supports the proposition to ensure that all viewers are able to receive local stations. Read NAB's filing here.