Fischer Applauds Passage of Satellite Reauthorization

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today applauded passage of a satellite telecommunications bill, which included language she championed to address gaps in local news access for rural communities.

"Access to local news programing is essential to helping Americans stay informed and engaged, especially in rural communities. However, nearly one-third of counties in Nebraska currently face challenges receiving existing local broadcast programming," Fischer said. "I'm pleased Congress included language taken from my LOCAL TV Act to explore ways to improve consumer choice and access to television programing that is important and relevant in their communities. I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve local television programming that fits the needs and interests of communities across the country."

Fischer introduced the Let Our Communities Access Local TV (LOCAL TV) Act with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), which called for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) study on how Designated Market Areas (DMAs) affect consumers' access to local broadcast and news programming.

Similar language to the LOCAL TV Act was included in the STELA Reauthorization Act, which ensures satellite service to nearly 1.5 million customers, many in rural parts of the country. This legislation was passed in the House of Representatives Wednesday by voice vote, and was agreed to in the Senate by Unanimous Consent.

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