A: Constituents contact my office asking why the FCC will not allow them to receive local network broadcast programming on their satellite system. Please be advised that copyright law, pursuant to the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA), applies to many satellite subscribers and prevents their satellite provider from carrying local network broadcast stations.

The SHVIA is designed to promote competition among multichannel video programming distributors, such as satellite companies and cable television operators while, at the same time, increasing the programming choices available to consumers. Most significantly, for the first time, the SHVIA permits satellite companies to provide local broadcast TV signals to all subscribers who reside in the local TV station’s market (also referred to as a Designated Market Area "DMA"), as defined by Nielsen Media Research. This ability to provide local broadcast channels is commonly referred to as "local into local" service.

The SHVIA also permits satellite companies to provide "distant" network broadcast stations to eligible satellite subscribers. Does this mean that a satellite company must provide the local channels to any subscriber who wants the channels? No. The satellite company has the option of providing local-into-local service, but is not required to do so. Some satellite companies are already providing this service in selected markets. By the end of 2000, the two largest satellite companies have indicated that they will provide local television broadcast signals in markets serving more than 50% of all American households. Subscribers should contact their satellite company to determine whether and when the service will be available in their specific "DMA" and which "DMA" applies to them.

For more information please visit the FCC Web Site or call them at (800) 225-5322.

These are considered general guidelines regarding the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act. For more information or if your particular problem or question was not addressed and you need additional assistance, please go to my casework section or contact my office.