DirecTV, Fox Agree to Forestall STELAR Expiration Problems

AT&T's DirecTV and Fox signed a multiyear agreement to ensure access to Fox programming beyond the expiration Monday of the current Satellite TV Extension and Localism Act (STELA) reauthorization, the MVPD said Tuesday. It said it has been in similar talks with other major national broadcast networks for rights to provide some customers access to out-of-market broadcast network stations. AT&T told Congress last month it was trying to tackle expected customer upheaval once the latest STELA reauthorization law takes effect June 1 (see 2004200065).