Last Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously reported, by a vote of 34 to 0, H.R. 3570, the Satellite Home Viewer Update and Reauthorization Act of 2009, introduced by Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-14). The legislation updates the compulsory copyright licenses governing the retransmission of distant television signals by cable and satellite television operators. Provisions in this bill, if ultimately enacted, will lead to more markets having access to local television channels via satellite, which has long been a goal of the broadcast industry.

The bill includes language to enable satellite carriers to provide service in "short" markets that do not have a full complement of network affiliates; language that would remove the so-called "death penalty" that a court placed on the Dish Network which prevents it from using the distant signal license if the Dish Network offers local-into-local service in all 210 television markets; as well as other issues affecting the broadcast television industry.

Commenting on the bill’s passage, Chairman Conyers stated, “This legislation moves satellite television from the analog to the digital age. Its overwhelming passage demonstrates that Congress is prepared to move forward with legislation that would foster competition and modernize the satellite and cable industries, while safeguarding copyright owners’ rights in a compulsory licensing regime.”

The jurisdiction of this law is shared by both the Judiciary and Commerce committees in Congress. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to mark up its version of the bill later this month, followed by the House and Senate Commerce Committees.