Here’s a statement from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters applauding House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) for introducing a “clean” reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act:
Virginia Association of Broadcasters Statement on STELA Reauthorization Bill Introduced by House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte
The Virginia Association of Broadcasters applauds House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) for his proposed clean reauthorization of the expiring provisions of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act. We strongly support the proposed Satellite Television Access Reauthorization Act and urge its swift passage without amendments.
By undertaking a clean reauthorization of this satellite carriage law, Chairman Goodlatte is helping to ensure that local Virginia television stations will be able to continue to invest in the further expansion of local news and information programming.
“Virginia broadcasters are proud to be able to serve communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia every day with uniquely live and local programming. We have seen a huge increase in the amount of local news programming in the last four years, producing a total of 57,044 hours of original, live, local, over-the-air newscasts in 2013 alone.” said VAB Executive Director Doug Easter. “Chairman Goodlatte deserves great praise from our 25 local television stations, the 3000-plus Virginians who work in our stations, and Virginia television viewers for championing a clean reauthorization.” Easter said.
The bill will also enable the satellite industry to continue to serve rural America without undermining consumers’ uniquely free over-the-air access to broadcast programming, particularly those viewers who are traditionally underserved by other mediums.
The VAB thanks Chairman Goodlatte for his work on this legislation and urges its passage without delay.
