Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3570, the Satellite Home Viewer Update and Reauthorization Act of 2009. I strongly support this important piece of satellite television reauthorization legislation.

H.R. 3570 reauthorizes satellite operators' licenses to import distant network affiliate television signals to viewers who cannot receive a viewable signal from their local affiliate. This is important as it allows satellite and cable television providers to carry out-of-market television signals to households that cannot receive stations in their own local markets. This allows state public television networks to reach all their state's residents with important news and public affairs programming.

Alongside the chairman, I worked hard to get the phantom signal language included in the bill. I am proud of the final product and believe it is something about which all Americans can be proud.

Previously, due to flaws in existing law, broadcasters sometimes paid royalties to content roducers even when programming was not actually delivered to subscribers. Royalties for the transmission of broadcast signals to cable systems were paid as if the entire cable system received the transmission, even if it was only received by some subscribers within the cable system. This has been known as the phantom signal problem. The cost of this flaw was passed down to consumers. With the passage of this reauthorization, including my phantom signal language, the American people will no longer be forced to pay for programming they have not received.

I join the chairman in urging my colleagues to support this bill. As a result of this legislation, constituents in my district will not be forced to pay for satellite and cable programming they have not received and, as a result, save money in this economy.

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