Reps. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) recently sent a joint letter to the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking a study of the FCC’s potential exclusivity rules in local markets.
“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 letter stated. “The information from the FCC and GAO will provide renewed focus on these important issues affecting consumer access to broadcast content.”
The bipartisan group also asked the GAO to look into local advertising in light of the FCC’s recent ruling about media ownership.
“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,” the letter further stated. “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.”