STELA Act is up for reauthorization as the 2014 version is due to sunset on December 31, 2019. Back in 2014 the idea of "Local Choice" was introduced as an attack against forced bundling of local channels (which contain vital information such as local emergencys, breaking news event coverage, Amber alerts, Weather Alerts, and more.) with the cable channels. It was a proposal that could have ended blackouts. The station would set the price it wants to charge the consumer and the consumer would then elect to pay to receive it. This amendment was SILENTLY killed by the broadcast special interests back in 2014 and was not included in the final bill.
"Local Choice"
During consideration of the STELA Reauthorization Act, Senator Thune and then-Senator Rockefeller proposed a provision they called "Local Choice." Their proposal would have removed the statutory requirement that cable operators who carry broadcast stations pursuant to retransmission consent agreements carry those stations on the entry-level basic tier of programming. Instead, only noncommercial stations and commercial stations that elect must-carry would automatically be carried by cable operators on the basic tier. A station that elected to be carried pursuant to retransmission consent would set a price for subscribers to receive it on an a la carte basis. This proposal was not enacted, but the 114th Congress may revisit the issue if it pursues a comprehensive revision of communications and copyright laws.
Reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA)
"Local Choice"
During consideration of the STELA Reauthorization Act, Senator Thune and then-Senator Rockefeller proposed a provision they called "Local Choice." Their proposal would have removed the statutory requirement that cable operators who carry broadcast stations pursuant to retransmission consent agreements carry those stations on the entry-level basic tier of programming. Instead, only noncommercial stations and commercial stations that elect must-carry would automatically be carried by cable operators on the basic tier. A station that elected to be carried pursuant to retransmission consent would set a price for subscribers to receive it on an a la carte basis. This proposal was not enacted, but the 114th Congress may revisit the issue if it pursues a comprehensive revision of communications and copyright laws.
Reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA)
