Sources: STELA Hearing Teed Up for Feb. 13

Congress prepares to tackle reauthorization of distant-signal compulsory license

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/6/2013 11:50:46 AM

According to sources, the House Communications Subcommittee has scheduled a hearing for Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. on renewing the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) for another five years. It is scheduled to expire at the end of 2014.

STELA provides the blanket license that allows satellite operators to deliver distant signals to subscribers who cannot get a viewable signal from their local TV station affiliate.

NAB has been asked to testify, and will provide a witness, according to a source familiar with the invitation.

Also asked to testify, according to sources, are the Motion Picture Association of America and satellite companies DirecTV and Dish.

Communications Subcommittee Greg Walden had indicated to reporters last month that STELA reauthorization was teed up for a hearing early in the new session.