The Federal Communications Commission recently proposed changing satellite television market rules to let satellite subscribers gain access to in-state news and other programming.
The FCC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking March 26 to implement a section of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, known as STELA, which now has been rebranded as STELAR. The “R” stands for Reauthorization Act, a law that was reauthorized in November to allow so-called orphan counties to pursue in-state television broadcasts.
The proposed rule could make it easier for La Plata County subscribers of DirecTV and Dish Network to receive Denver news and sports broadcasts. As it is, many receive network broadcasts from Albuquerque.
The Communications Act also is up for reauthorization this year, providing another opportunity to address the issue, said Josh Green, a spokesman for Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez.
Taken together, there appears to be more momentum behind getting Denver TV to La Plata County viewers than at any time in years.
“We’re optimistic that we’re going to be able to get this issue resolved,” Green said. “Certainly, Congressman Tipton is committed to working with the senators and the congressional leadership and the committee leadership in the House to get this done.”
Colorado’s congressional delegation is at work on a letter to the FCC regarding the issue, but the letter had not been finalized Tuesday, a spokesman for Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said.
After a written request from a commercial broadcast station, STELAR allows the FCC to add or exclude communities from a station’s local market. It also allows the agency to determine that a community is a part of more than one local market.
The bill has drawn interest around the country from other orphan counties, including Garrett County, Maryland, where residents receive news from Pittsburgh instead of Baltimore.
The FCC is required to issue final rules by Sept. 4.
Joanne Spina, assistant county manager, said county leaders are waiting to see what rules the FCC issues. One possibility would be to allow counties to petition the FCC for a modification in market area.
“It’s a long-term process,” Spina said of the federal rule-making. “It’s certainly an opportunity to be explored.”
The Board of (La Plata) County Commissioners may weigh in with public comment on the FCC rules at an appropriate time, Spina said.
cslothower@durangoherald.com
