Reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA)

Author / Creator

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service. Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Available as

Online

Summary

Discusses reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act and the Communications Act (STELA), which authorizes direct broadcast satellite providers to obtain licenses to retr...

Discusses reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act and the Communications Act (STELA), which authorizes direct broadcast satellite providers to obtain licenses to retransmit distant over-the-air TV broadcast signals to their subscribers. Describes satellite retransmission of broadcast signals and consequences of STELA expiration, reviews STELA reauthorization legislation in the 113th Congress, and discusses issues of "orphan counties" in which satellite subscribers may not be receiving signals from in-State broadcast stations and may not be receiving news, sports, and public affairs programming of interest in their State.

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