House Judiciary Leaders Query DirecTV, Dish on STELA Renewal

House Judiciary Committee leaders took a step forward in their nascent examination of whether to renew the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, writing the heads of AT&T's DirecTV and Dish Network on how their subscribers would be affected if Congress allowed the law to sunset. Some lawmakers are beginning to dig into the debate (see 1903150045). NAB, an opponent of STELA reauthorization, publicized the letters. The Copyright Alliance is also urging Congress to not renew STELA (see 1903250057). Others back recertification. House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and ranking member Doug Collins, R-Ga., sought information by April 19 on the effects of STELA sunset on the satellite companies' subscribers, including “the total number of subscribers by the designated market area where they reside, the call letter of each station being imported to that market, and the number of subscribers receiving each such station in each such market.” There has been pressure from four senators over 12 media markets in which DirecTV doesn't provide locally broadcast network affiliates (see 1903150045). “In all 12 markets, the broadcasters free over the air signal is available and can be combined with DIRECTV service seamlessly,” an AT&T spokesperson emailed Tuesday. “The law only allows distant signals to be provided to homes that can NOT get an over the air signal with an antenna. Typically, a small percentage of any TV market.” Dish didn't comment.