Last Thursday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet marked up H.R. 2994, the the Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization Act, which was agreed to and passed by the subcommittee by voice vote.

Commenting on the outcome, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton issued the following statement:

"NAB appreciates the great leadership of Chairman Boucher, Ranking Member Stearns and their colleagues in unanimously passing a bill that recognizes the enduring value of free and local television. NAB will continue to work with lawmakers on the Commerce and Judiciary Committees in both the House and Senate to ensure that local broadcasting is preserved and strengthened as this legislation moves forward."

The broadcast industry remains well positioned with regard to the issues that have been identified as priorities. While the bill approved by the subcommittee did not contain incentive-based language for the satellite carrier’s to provide local-into-local service in all 210 markets, Chairman Boucher addressed this issue in his comments and will continue to provide leadership on this matter prior to the full Energy and Commerce Committee mark up. Chairman Boucher spoke on behalf of Rep. Stupak’s (MI-01) leadership and interest in ensuring local-into-local service in all 210 markets.

Additionally, Rep. Blackburn (TN-07) offered and withdrew an amendment to address a “short-market” issue in her district and has requested that the industry continue to work with her. Rep. Deal (GA-09) filed, but did not offer, an amendment that would allow for the importation of adjacent market signals.