On September 24, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a managers amendment to S. 1670, the "Satellite Television Modernization Act of 2009."

The Senate Judiciary draft updates the law to reflect the digital television (DTV) transition and also proposes a number of structural changes to the local and distant signal licenses. Unlike the House Judiciary draft, the Senate draft does not contain language to allow DISH to regain its distant signal license upon certification that it is providing local-into-local service in all 210 markets. As in the House bill, there is language in the Senate draft that would enable satellite carriers to provide service in “short” markets that do not have a full complement of network affiliates.

During the Committee mark-up, two amendments were offered regarding designated market areas (DMAs) that cross state lines. While committee members spoke on the harm of these potential amendments, and they were eventually withdrawn, local broadcasters must remain vigilant in educating their members of Congress.

The Senate Commerce Committee will hold the final hearing on SHVERA reauthorizing legislation the first week of October. After producing a bill, the committees will then combine the final product for full chamber approval.