Satellite : Satellite : Can Satellite Companies be expected....

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Can Satellite Companies be expected to carry All local channels ?

As posted at wluctv6.com

Satellite dishes to carry local TV?

Congress moving to make it happen.

Friday, September 05, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.

NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- Congressman Bart Stupak expects local U.P. channels will be provided by satellite companies in the next 6 to 18 months.

Right now, satellite dish companies are not required to carry local channels like TV6. In most of the largest television markets, like New York and Los Angeles, satellite dish owners can get local programming as a part of their service. Stupak says in the months ahead, legislation will be enacted so satellite companies provide that "local into local" service everywhere.

"We've drafted legislation, endorsed by the FCC; we're urging the FCC to try and do it in February about the same time we're making the transition. If not SHVIA, the satellite homeviewer act is up for reauthorization and we'll stick it into there," said Congressman Stupak.

Stupak says it's important for viewers to receive their local channels to get area news, weather, and emergency information.

It is an interesting question, to which I haven't given much thought: How many local markets are there in the US, how many channels in total, and is it feasible to carry every single one of them ?

Stay tuned.