Senate Commerce Eyes March 27 Media Marketplace Hearing Amid STELA Talk

The Senate Commerce Committee is eyeing March 27 as the date for a media marketplace hearing, several lobbyists told us Friday. The hearing is expected to be a likely precursor to Senate Commerce's debate on reauthorizing the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, lobbyists said. The House Communications Subcommittee held a similar hearing in September (see 1809270062). Senate Commerce Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in February he views STELA renewal as a "must-pass" measure despite lobbying by broadcasters against such action (see 1902270018). The committee is lining up witnesses for the potential hearing, lobbyists said. Senate Commerce didn't comment.