WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders today wrote to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting information and a study related to the commission’s work on potential changes to broadcast exclusivity rules for local markets. Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), and subcommittee Ranking Member Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), also requested the GAO to review local advertising markets in light of the FCC’s recent changes to the media ownership rules. The studies would be completed in time for consideration by the FCC in its review of the media ownership rules.
“As technologies evolve and the delivery of video content continues to expand, it is essential that any laws and regulations appropriately protect localism while allowing for the innovations necessary to fulfill the demands of consumers. The information from the FCC and GAO will provide renewed focus on these important issues affecting consumer access to broadcast content," said Upton, Waxman, Walden, and Eshoo.
The leaders continued, “These requests are the result of our work to reauthorize the nation’s satellite television law, which the House approved with unanimous bipartisan support in July. As the end of the year quickly approaches, and with important provisions set to expire, we remain committed to an extension that protects viewers. We look forward to Senate action and a speedy resolution that delivers bipartisan reforms to the president’s desk."
