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In order to ensure that all Americans have access to local broadcasts, I have introduced H.R. 5470, which would require satellite carriers to provide universal local-into-local service in all 210 Designated Market Areas by February 17, 2009, to coincide with the digital television transition.

Access to local broadcasts is an important resource for Americans. In addition to emergency information, weather alerts, and other critical safety information that only local stations provide, these broadcasts are also a vital source for news and information about the community.

However, according to the latest FCC filings, of the 210 Designated Market Areas (DMAs) in the United States, EchoStar only provides local-into-local service in 165 DMAs, while DirecTV only provides local-into-local service in 144 DMAs. EchoStar customers in 45 DMAs and DirecTV customers in 66 DMAs cannot view local broadcasts. As a result, small commercial and public broadcasters encompassing nearly 3.5 million American households have been ignored. Without a hard date, local commercial and public broadcasters will be unable to provide local programs to its viewing area without the assistance of the satellite industry.

It is important that Congress continue to support universal service and fair treatment for all consumers, regardless of where they live. H.R. 5470 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. As a member of the Telecommunications Subcommittee, I will work with my colleagues to pass H.R. 5470 into law, to ensure that all Americans have access to their local TV broadcasts.