Boozman: Arkansans Should Have Local Access

Press Release

Boozman: Arkansans Should Have Local Access

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced his support for legislation which would give American television viewers the right to watch in-state programming.

Boozman signed on to H.R. 2821, the "Television Freedom Act of 2007," which would give satellite and cable companies the ability to provide customers local channels from their home state, allowing them to watch local news, sports, and other programming. .

"This bill gives many Arkansans the capability of watching Arkansas news, weather, and sports, instead of receiving programming from out-of-state sources," Boozman said. "I have received many calls and letters from residents of the 3rd District who want to watch Arkansas television and Arkansas sports."

Current law specifies that television broadcast stations be transmitted primarily within their designated market area (DMA), which is assigned by the Nielsen Media Research Company. Because of these laws, many consumers cannot receive the local channels of the state in which they live and work. In addition, 47 percent of designated market areas (DMAs) cross a state line, which means that millions of subscribers are left watching the local channels of their neighboring state.

In Arkansas, three in-state television markets exist: Little Rock/Pine Bluff; Fort Smith/Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers; and Jonesboro. Certain counties in north, northeast, and south Arkansas are serviced by markets outside the state, including: Memphis, Tenn.; Shreveport, La.; and Monroe, La.

"There are outdated laws on the books which do not reflect the reality of modern telecommunications," Boozman said. "As Arkansans have more choices as to their programming providers, they should also have access to Arkansas programming, including the Razorbacks."

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