Mark-Up Adds Elements to Satellite Reauthorization Bill
New version would require FCC to study if Nielsen DMA system is best to determine markets
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/15/2009 12:15:30 PM
There has yet to be a vote on a satellite reauthorization bill, but a version of the bill being marked up in the House Energy & Commerce Committee, introduced as an amendment by Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-Va.), includes a number of new elements.The new version requires the FCC to study whether there is a better way to determine markets than the Nielsen DMA system and whether there needs to be a better way to determine who is ineligible to receive a distant signal than the current measure of a 30 ft. antenna.
The bill also would allow DISH network back into the distant network signal-delivery business in exchange for its agreement to deliver local signals in all 210 markets, which it has agreed to do within two years.
Boucher has been pushing for that, in part because some of his constituents are in markets without local-into-local service.
Talkback
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The FCC really needs to re-look at the way DMA's are determined.. There are many stations that cover communities with an antenna signal, but because another market's stations were on cable or satellite first, they get the community in their DMA. In times of an emergency the antenna station is responsible to deliver EAS messages, so they should at least get the benefit of having those communities in their DMA. The easiest solution is make Nielsen survey antenna homes only to determine the DMA's.
TS - 10/16/2009 11:39:42 AM EDT -
If both dishes provide local into local, there should be no need for distant signal importation unless a market lacks a local affiliate.. TV markets are determined by what people watch so why change the system because a few whiny viewers want to see an out of market station. Can I demand McDonalds sell me a BK Whopper because Burger King is two miles from me?
Tires of the BS - 10/15/2009 4:21:50 PM EDT -
Maybe, No change. Enless you live in the mountains. Your allowed. The 1950's technology antennae was a thing Sactamento and Bakersfield HD station's might be bothered. Congress does a Neilson, and When it says. Your in Sacramento, Cal. I am watching KPIX 5.1 O.T.A. San Francisco, in Sacramento. KOVR 13.1 will complain. Many In Bakersfield can get Fresno KMPH FOX HD by O.T.A.HD. AND KBFX FOX HD Bakersfield. Mountain viewers get distants for one reason, there elligible.
Tom - 10/15/2009 1:10:20 PM EDT
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