Satellite Television: Provisions of SHVIA and LOCAL, and Continuing Issues

Publication Date: July 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Media, telecommunications, and information

Type:

Abstract:

Congress passed two laws to provide consumers greater access to local network television stations, particularly via satellite. First, the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA, part of P.L. 106-113) was enacted in 1999. SHVIA allows (not requires) satellite companies, for the first time, to retransmit a local broadcast network signal back into the same local market area ("local-into-local"). Concerned that satellite TV companies do not plan to offer local-into-local in all parts of the country, Congress passed the Launching Our Communities Access to Local Television Act (LOCAL, part of P.L. 106-553) in 2000. That Act creates a loan guarantee program that its supporters hope will ensure that consumers in small and rural markets receive local network TV stations via satellite or other technologies. This report summarizes the provisions of SHVIA and LOCAL, and provides an overview of continuing issues as the Acts are implemented. It will be updated as warranted.