The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, in its weekly "Report from the President," praised legislation from Sens. John Ensign (R-Nev.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) concerning satellite TV service and the ongoing transition to digital television.
The Ensign/McCain bill, introduced last week, would allow satellite TV to deliver digital distant networks to consumers. "By allowing satellite platforms to provide a distant digital signal, Congress is not only ensuring that all consumers have access to a digital quality signal, but also helping speed along the digital transition," SBCA President Richard DalBello said in the report released Friday.
Introduction of the bill, which aims to reauthorize expiring parts of 1999's Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA), "is a big step forward for the satellite industry since this legislation must get passed before our compulsory licenses expire at the end of the year," DalBello said.
The Senate draft still must be marked-up by the Senate Commerce Committee before it's ready for a full vote on the Senate floor. The committee has a business meeting to scheduled to consider satellite TV legislation Thursday, and the meeting will be busy: It's packed with work on 10 other bills and a dozen nominations.
The House version of SHVIA reauthorization is listed on the calendar of the full House and ready for a vote, SBCA said.
Key endorsements of the Ensign/McCain bill also have come from the Consumer Electronics Association and the Digital Transition Coalition. The National Association of Broadcasters said it opposes the legislation.
McCain my cuz
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