HR5165-119

What This Bill Does

The Go Pack Go Act addresses counties whose television market assignment can leave subscribers receiving out-of-state network stations instead of in-state adjacent-market stations. It adds a Communications Act section requiring cable operators and, where technically feasible as determined by the FCC, satellite carriers to provide subscribers in covered counties a choice: the required local network station, an in-state adjacent-market network station retransmission, or both. If a subscriber chooses only the in-state adjacent-market retransmission, that carriage satisfies local signal obligations under sections 338, 614, and 615, and does not jeopardize qualified-carrier status for certain satellite carriers. For cable, section 325 retransmission consent does not apply to the in-state adjacent-market retransmission, and the station is deemed significantly viewed in that county. The bill also amends distant-signal rules so those in-state adjacent-market retransmissions do not count against certain limits and are not affected by specified restrictions.

Who Benefits and How

Cable subscribers in covered counties benefit because they can elect in-state adjacent-market network stations instead of being limited to out-of-state market assignments. Satellite subscribers in covered counties benefit where FCC determines the in-state adjacent-market retransmission is technically feasible. In-state network affiliates benefit from access to viewers in covered counties that identify more closely with their state. Wisconsin sports and news viewers benefit indirectly if they can receive in-state network programming tied to their communities.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Cable operators must provide subscriber elections and carry in-state adjacent-market network station signals under the new Communications Act rule. Satellite carriers must provide the retransmission when technically feasible and track qualified-carrier implications. Out-of-state local network stations may lose exclusivity with subscribers who elect in-state adjacent-market signals. FCC staff must determine technical feasibility and administer the new carriage definitions and rule interactions.

Key Provisions

• Creates a subscriber election for in-state adjacent-market network station retransmissions in covered counties.
• Requires cable operators and technically feasible satellite carriers to provide the elected retransmission.
• Provides that in-state adjacent-market carriage can satisfy local signal obligations when subscribers choose it.
• Exempts covered cable retransmissions from section 325 retransmission consent and deems them significantly viewed.
• Modifies distant-signal rules so covered retransmissions do not count against specified limits.